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Ear infection

Ear ache, blocked or discharging ear, reduced hearing. Common, especially in children.

Speak to a GP about an ear infectionFrom £79

In short

Ear infections are common, especially in children, and most settle with pain relief alone. A GP can tell the types apart, treat where needed, and spot the few cases that need urgent or specialist care.

Overview

What is ear infection?

An ear infection can affect the outer ear canal (otitis externa, often itchy and sore) or the middle ear behind the eardrum (otitis media, common in children after colds). Most are self-limiting and managed with pain relief; some need antibiotic drops or tablets. Persistent fluid in the middle ear (glue ear) can affect hearing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Ear pain or ache
  • A feeling of fullness or blockage
  • Reduced hearing in the affected ear
  • Discharge from the ear
  • Itching (more typical of outer ear infections)
  • Fever or feeling unwell, especially in children

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if ear pain is severe, there's discharge, hearing is affected, symptoms last more than a few days, or a child is very unwell. Seek urgent help for swelling or pain behind the ear, a stiff neck, confusion, or facial weakness.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Swelling, redness, or pain behind the ear, or the ear sticking out (possible mastoiditis, seek urgent care)
  • A severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or drowsiness
  • Facial weakness or dizziness with the ear symptoms
  • A very unwell child with a high fever

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • An assessment of the type of ear infection (outer ear vs middle ear)
  • Examination of the ear where the appointment is in person
  • Advice on pain relief, which is the mainstay for most ear infections
  • Antibiotic ear drops or tablets where clearly appropriate
  • Guidance for parents on when a child's ear infection needs review
  • Referral to ENT for recurrent infections or persistent hearing loss

What we don't do

  • Ear syringing or micro-suction (offered by audiology or some pharmacies)
  • Specialist ENT procedures and grommets (referred on)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about an ear infection starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about ear infection

Do ear infections need antibiotics?
Often not. Most middle-ear infections, especially in children, settle by themselves within a few days with pain relief. Antibiotics are used for more severe cases or certain situations.
How do I relieve ear pain?
Regular paracetamol or ibuprofen (at the right dose) is the most effective relief. A warm flannel against the ear can help too.
My child keeps getting ear infections, what can help?
Recurrent infections or persistent fluid affecting hearing (glue ear) can warrant an ENT referral. We can assess and refer where appropriate.
Can you treat an ear infection online?
Outer-ear and straightforward cases often can be. Some need the ear examined in person, we'll advise if an in-person appointment is better.
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Ready to talk to a GP about an ear infection?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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