Possible swimmer's ear
This narrow online assessment is for adults with recent outer-ear itch or pain, especially after swimming, and tenderness when the outer ear is moved. Other ear problems need a different assessment.
- No appointment or video call
- NZ clinician reviewed
- Pay only if approved
What to expect
Talk to Quinn, our AI assistant. A NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care.
- A clinician reviews the history and decides whether a complete swimmer's-ear treatment draft is appropriate
- Uncertain or non-classic ear symptoms do not qualify for this remote prescription pathway
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- You are an adult with recent canal itch or pain after water or canal irritation
- Moving the tragus or outer ear is tender and there are no warning signs or perforation risks
Use another service first if…
- Swelling or marked tenderness behind the ear, facial weakness, severe dizziness or sudden hearing loss
- Serious illness, severe worsening pain, previous ear surgery, grommets, hearing change, dizziness or diagnostic uncertainty
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
Call 111 now if you…
- have confusion, neck stiffness, a non-blanching rash or severe illness
See a doctor today if you…
- notice redness or swelling spreading to your outer ear or face
- have severe or worsening pain
- notice new hearing loss
- feel dizzy
- notice facial weakness
- notice tenderness or swelling behind your ear
See your GP if you…
- aren't improving after 48 to 72 hours
- notice things getting worse
About possible swimmer's ear
Swimmer's ear is irritation or infection of the outer ear canal, often after water or cotton-bud use. This assessment is deliberately narrow because other causes of ear pain may require the canal and eardrum to be examined.
- Outer-ear problems often include canal itch, discharge, tenderness when the ear is moved or recent swimming
- Middle-ear infection often follows a cold and causes deeper earache, pressure or reduced hearing
How your online consultation works
No appointment or video call to book. See the current clinician review time before you start.
- Tell QuinnDescribe your concern in your own words. Quinn, our AI assistant, gathers the information for your clinician.
- Clinician reviewA registered NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care. They may ask for more detail.
- Receive your careApproved documents are saved in My care. Any prescription goes to your chosen pharmacy.
Keep your usual GP. You choose whether to share your approved consultation summary with your usual practice.
What we’ll ask about
Answer naturally. Quinn follows up on what matters to your situation, using these topics for the assessment.
- Recent swimming or canal irritation, outer-ear pain or itch, and tenderness when the ear is moved
- Only warning features or exclusions that change whether remote treatment is suitable
Frequently asked questions
Why can't every ear infection be treated online?
The canal and eardrum need to be seen when the diagnosis or eardrum integrity is uncertain. Using the wrong drops or antibiotics can delay the right treatment.
What causes outer-ear infections (swimmer's ear)?
It often follows moisture staying in the ear canal, for example after swimming or showering, or irritation from cotton buds. This lets bacteria or fungus grow in the skin lining the canal.
How can I help stop it happening again?
Keeping your ears dry after swimming or showering, avoiding cotton buds, and not putting anything else in the ear canal all help. Together, they reduce the chance of it coming back.
Fees and practical details
Your consultation fee is shown before submission. Your card is charged only if care is approved; medicine and pharmacy costs are separate.