Earache

Earache is a common problem, particularly in children. It can be worrying, but it’s usually only caused by a minor viral infection and will often get better in a few days without treatment. Taking a medicine like ibuprofen regularly for a few days can really help with symptoms.

For earache for under 3 days, please visit your local community pharmacy for advice and treatment. You can also complete the symptom checker at NHS Inform – this can help you understand when to get medical advice for earache.

For earache that is not improving after three days, please submit an online medical consultation request for the Urgent Medical Problem Team giving us as much information about your problem as you can. You will get a same-day response usually by telephone or a time to attend the surgery for further assessment and examination.

The practice does not offer an ear syringing service, a device can be purchased from the pharmacy to do this at home, please follow the advice here.

Further information about earache is available from NHS inform.

If you cannot use the online service please call us on 0345 337 1120 and a member of the care navigation team will help you.