NHS Minor Ailments Scheme · Earache

Earache treatment and advice in Huntingdon.

Earache is painful and worrying, especially in little ones, but the right treatment depends on what's behind it. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can look in your ears, find the cause and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment — no GP referral required.

01480 425412 About the scheme

Walk in or call 01480 425412 — no GP referral required.

What is earache?

Earache means pain or discomfort in one or both ears. The pain may be mild, sharp, throbbing or constant.

Earache is a symptom rather than a condition in itself. The best treatment depends on what is causing it.

Getting seen

Walk in

No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.

Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.

Call 01480 425412

Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms

Young children may show signs of earache by crying more than usual, being irritable, having difficulty sleeping or repeatedly touching their ears.

Pain or pressure inside the ear
A feeling of fullness or blockage
Difficulty hearing clearly
Fluid or discharge coming from the ear
Fever or feeling generally unwell
Itching or irritation in the ear canal
Sometimes dizziness or ringing in the ear

Causes

What causes earache?

Earache can come from the ear itself or from somewhere nearby — working out which one it is guides the right treatment.

Middle ear infection

An infection behind the eardrum, often following a cold. It can cause pain, fever and temporary hearing difficulties. It is particularly common in children.

Outer ear infection

An infection of the ear canal, sometimes after swimming, scratching the ear or using cotton buds. It may cause itching, discharge and pain that worsens when the outer ear is touched.

Build-up of earwax

Earwax can block the ear canal, causing discomfort, a feeling of fullness or reduced hearing.

Colds and pressure changes

Colds can block the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose. Pressure changes during flying can also cause ear discomfort.

Dental or jaw problems

Toothache, dental infections and jaw joint problems can cause pain that feels as though it is coming from the ear.

Prevention

How can it be prevented?

Not all earaches can be prevented, but these practical steps reduce the risk of infection, irritation and earwax-related problems.

Keep ears dry when needed

Dry the outside of the ears gently after bathing or swimming. Avoid putting cotton buds or other objects inside the ear canal.

Avoid irritation

Avoid scratching the ears and take care when using earphones or hearing aids. If swimming repeatedly causes ear problems, ask a pharmacist or clinician about prevention.

Reduce the spread of infections

Wash hands regularly and follow good respiratory hygiene to reduce the risk of colds, which can lead to middle ear infections.

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke

Keep children's environments smoke-free. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of middle ear infections.

Manage earwax safely

Earwax normally protects the ear and usually comes out naturally. Avoid routinely removing it yourself; ask a pharmacist or clinician for advice if it causes blockage or discomfort.

When should someone seek medical help?

Most earache settles within a few days, but some situations need a proper medical assessment.

Urgent

Seek urgent medical advice

Contact NHS 111 or request an urgent GP appointment if there is:

Swelling around the ear
Fluid coming from the ear
A change or loss of hearing
A high temperature
Severe pain, or the person feels generally unwell
A child under 2 with pain in both ears — they should also be assessed urgently

Persistent pain

Do not ignore persistent pain

Seek medical advice if earache does not improve within 2–3 days, or sooner if symptoms worsen.

Earache that has not improved after 2–3 days
Symptoms that are getting worse
Repeated episodes of earache — these also need assessment

Arrange further assessment for higher-risk symptoms

People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should seek prompt advice if they develop ear pain or discharge.

Ear pain or discharge if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system
Severe dizziness
Facial weakness
Other serious new symptoms — these require urgent assessment

FAQ

Common questions

Can a pharmacist help with earache?

Yes. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can ask about your symptoms, look in your ears, work out what's causing the pain and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment.

Can adults be seen, or just children?

Both — adults and children can be seen under the scheme. Children aged 1 to 17 with a middle ear infection may also be seen under NHS Pharmacy First, which can be booked online — see our Pharmacy First earache page.

Should I clean inside my ears with cotton buds?

No. Cotton buds can push wax deeper into the canal and scratch the skin, which can cause infection. If you think earwax is the problem, ask our pharmacist — we also run a private ear wax removal clinic.

How long does earache last?

Many cases improve within a few days with pain relief. If the pain hasn't settled after 2–3 days, is getting worse, or keeps coming back, you should be assessed again.

How much does it cost?

The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.

Do I need an appointment?

No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.

Is the consultation private?

Yes. Any consultation takes place in our private consultation room, and anything you discuss stays confidential.

Get sorted, sooner.

Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.