Ear Infection Treatment in Spain for Expats & Tourists
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)
Ear pain reviewed by video with an English-speaking GP in Spain.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera
Licence No. 484814280 · Urgent, non-emergency care
Common Symptoms
Ear symptoms can become very uncomfortable very quickly, especially if you are travelling and unsure whether you need pain relief, antibiotic drops, oral antibiotics, or an in-person ear examination. An ear infection may cause:
- Ear pain
- Reduced hearing
- Pressure in the ear
- Fever
- Ear discharge
- Irritability or poor sleep
- Pain after a cold
- A blocked-ear sensation
Ear pain can disrupt sleep, concentration, and travel plans. Some ear infections improve with pain control and monitoring, while others require closer examination to distinguish middle-ear infection, outer-ear infection, wax blockage, eardrum injury, or referred pain from the throat or jaw.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
How We Treat It
During the consultation, the doctor will assess the type and duration of pain, fever, discharge, hearing change, recent swimming, flights, or colds, and any history of recurrent ear infections. Treatment may include:
- Pain-relief recommendations
- Advice on ear care and keeping the ear dry when relevant
- Antibiotic treatment only when clinically appropriate
- Referral for in-person ear examination if diagnosis is uncertain
- Urgent evaluation if there are complications or severe infection signs
Not all ear infections can be safely diagnosed online because examination of the ear canal and eardrum is sometimes necessary before prescribing treatment.
Clinical Evaluation & Evidence-Based Protocol for Ear Infection Treatment
During a telemedicine consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera (licensed medical practitioner No. 484814280 at the Official Medical College of Bizkaia), clinical evaluation adheres strictly to evidence-based medical (EBM) standards. The doctor conducts a thorough history, evaluating symptom duration, aggravating factors, prior treatments, and drug allergies to establish an accurate differential diagnosis.
Private Electronic Prescriptions (Receta Médica) Issued Under Spanish Law
When clinically indicated, Dr. Yelamo issues a private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Electrónica Privada) under Spanish law. The digital prescription contains a secure QR verification code accepted at all 22,000+ registered community pharmacies across Spain for immediate medication dispensing.
Itemized Invoices for Travel & Private Health Insurance Reimbursement
After your consultation, you receive an official medical report and an itemized invoice. The invoice shows Dr. Yelamo's licence details and tax ID. You can send it to your travel or private health insurer (such as Bupa, Allianz, Cigna, AXA or a US travel policy) to claim the cost back.
Preparing for Your Online Medical Consultation
Before your appointment, note when your symptoms started and any medicines you have already tried. Have your allergies and your usual prescriptions to hand. For a skin, rash or eye problem, sit in a well-lit room so the doctor can see it clearly.
Clinical Follow-Up & When In-Person Urgencias Are Necessary
Video care works well for common infections, mild sudden symptoms, skin rashes and repeat prescriptions. Some warning signs need emergency care in person: severe shortness of breath, a high fever you cannot bring down, chest pain or a stiff neck. If you have any of them, call 112 in Spain straight away.
When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- Severe pain with swelling behind the ear
- Facial weakness
- Significant hearing loss
- Dizziness with vomiting or severe imbalance
- High fever with worsening symptoms
- Ear discharge after trauma
- A child or adult who looks acutely unwell
- Significant immune suppression or diabetes with severe ear pain
Frequently asked questions
Can an ear infection be treated online in Spain?
Some cases can be triaged online, but many require in-person ear examination to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment safely.
Will I always need antibiotics?
No. Some ear infections improve without antibiotics, while others need a different treatment approach such as ear drops, pain management, or direct examination.
What if I have ear pain after a flight or swimming?
Pressure changes, water exposure, wax, or outer-ear irritation can all cause ear pain. A clinician can help decide whether the pattern suggests infection or another cause.
Do I need ear drops for an ear infection?
It depends on where the infection is. Swimmer's ear, an infection of the ear canal, is treated with ear drops, and some need a prescription. A middle-ear infection behind the eardrum is not helped by drops and usually settles without antibiotics. Do not put drops in after a sudden discharge or if you think your eardrum has burst, unless a doctor advises it.
Infected ear piercing: what to do?
A new piercing is often a little red and sore. If it is swollen, hot, very painful or has yellow pus, it may be infected. The NHS advises leaving the earring in, unless a doctor tells you to take it out, and washing it gently with salt water. See a doctor soon if it does not improve, and the same day if the piercing is in the cartilage at the top of the ear, the redness spreads or you have a fever.
Can you fly with an ear infection?
Often yes, but a middle-ear infection or a blocked ear can make the pressure changes on take-off and landing very painful. If the ear is very painful, if you have a fever or the eardrum may have burst, ask a doctor before you fly. Swallowing, yawning or chewing during descent helps the ear equalise; ask your pharmacist about a decongestant nasal spray.
Online consultations are for urgent, non-emergency care. In a medical emergency call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
Every day · 07:30–20:30One named doctor, from first call to follow-up
Book a secure 15-minute video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera for €50. Appointments every day, 07:30–20:30 (Spain time). For urgent, non-emergency care; in an emergency, call 112.
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