Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Speak to a GP today about an ear infection — video within 90 minutes, or in-clinic in Manchester the same day if needed.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
Good for advice, follow-up or a first look — but we can't see inside the ear on camera.
For a proper look inside the ear with an otoscope — same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP examines the ear and reviews your history. In-clinic for a visual exam, or video for advice.
Your GP explains whether it's middle-ear, outer-ear, or something else — and whether antibiotics will help.
If a prescription is the right next step, it's sent to your pharmacy the same day.
Ear infections usually follow a cold or sore throat. The middle ear (otitis media) gets infected when fluid builds up behind the ear drum. Outer-ear infections (swimmer's ear) are caused by water or skin irritation in the ear canal. A few things make them more likely:
If you have severe pain with swelling behind the ear, a stiff neck, or sudden hearing loss, go to A&E or call 999.
Ear pain can come from several causes. A GP can tell the difference quickly and start the right treatment the same day.
Yes. Your GP looks inside the ear with an otoscope, identifies whether it's a middle-ear infection (otitis media), an outer-ear infection (otitis externa) or a glue-ear pattern, and prescribes the right treatment — eardrops, oral antibiotics, or pain-relief and watchful waiting.
If the examination shows an infection that needs treatment, the prescription is sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy after the consultation — drops for outer-ear infections, oral antibiotics for clear bacterial middle-ear infections. Many mild ear infections settle on their own; your GP will explain when antibiotics help and when they don't.
For children, in-clinic is usually better — a hands-on examination of the ear with an otoscope confirms the diagnosis. Video works well for adults describing pain and discharge, especially for outer-ear infections after swimming. We can switch you between formats the same day if needed.
Most middle-ear infections settle within 3–7 days. Outer-ear infections (swimmer's ear) usually improve within 48–72 hours of starting eardrops. Pain that's getting worse, fluid leaking from the ear, or hearing that doesn't recover after the infection settles needs review.
Sinusitis can refer pressure into the ear without a true ear infection. A throat infection can refer pain into the ear via the same nerves. Jaw or dental problems sometimes present as ear pain. Your GP will examine your ear, throat, sinuses and jaw to find the source.
Severe pain that won't settle with painkillers, swelling or redness behind the ear, drooping of one side of the face, vertigo with vomiting, or symptoms in someone with a weakened immune system need urgent assessment. For everything else, a same-day GP appointment is the right step.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Ear infections · NICE CKS Otitis media — acute