Earache and Ear Infections in Adults. What Is Causing It, What Helps and When to See a Doctor Today
Most earache in adults comes from 1 of 3 places, the middle ear behind the eardrum, the ear canal, or somewhere nearby such as the jaw, teeth or throat, and an examination with an otoscope is the quickest way to tell which. A middle ear infection usually follows a cold and causes deep pain, muffled hearing and sometimes fever. NICE guidance notes that it usually gets better within about 3 days and can last up to a week, and that antibiotics make only a small difference for most people. An outer ear infection, often called swimmer's ear, makes the ear canal sore, itchy and painful to touch, and is treated with ear drops rather than tablets. Jaw joint problems, dental infections and tonsillitis can all cause pain felt in the ear. Some ear symptoms need same-day attention. Sudden hearing loss in one ear, without an obvious cause such as wax, should be assessed urgently, because early treatment gives the best chance of recovery. In England, pharmacists can treat earache only in children aged 1 to 17 under Pharmacy First, so adults need to see a doctor. At The Wellness you can be examined the same day in person from £220, at home from £495, or seen by video from £150 to decide what you need. Fees appear further down this page.
Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 10 October 2026.
See a doctor about earache today on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
Key facts about earache in adults
Middle ear infections usually settle within about 3 days and can last up to a week.
Antibiotics make only a small difference for most middle ear infections, according to NICE.
Outer ear infections are treated with ear drops, not tablets.
Pain felt in the ear can come from the jaw, teeth or throat.
Sudden hearing loss in one ear needs urgent same-day assessment.
Pharmacy First covers earache in children aged 1 to 17, not adults.
What causes earache in adults
Middle ear infection, called otitis media. Usually follows a cold, with deep throbbing pain, muffled hearing, a feeling of pressure and sometimes a fever. If the eardrum perforates, pus may drain and the pain often eases.
Outer ear infection, called otitis externa. The ear canal is sore, itchy, swollen and painful when the ear is pulled or pressed. It is common after swimming, in humid weather, and with eczema or cotton bud use.
Ear wax. A build-up causes blocked hearing and sometimes discomfort, but rarely severe pain.
Referred pain. The jaw joint, teeth, tonsils and throat share nerves with the ear, so a problem in any of them can be felt as earache, often with a normal-looking ear.
Pressure changes. Flying with a cold can cause painful pressure that usually settles within hours or days.
Why an examination matters
An otoscope shows the ear canal and eardrum, and tells a doctor in seconds whether the problem is the middle ear, the canal, wax, or none of these. That decides the treatment, so drops are not given for a middle ear infection, antibiotics are not given for a viral one, and referred pain is traced to its real source.
A video consultation can assess symptoms and arrange the right next step, but for most earache an in-person examination gives the clearest answer.
Book an ear examination on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.
What helps earache
Paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable for you, are the main treatment for pain in a middle ear infection. A warm compress can help. Keep water out of an ear with an outer ear infection.
Antibiotics are considered when symptoms are severe, when there is discharge from a perforated eardrum, when there is no improvement after 3 days, or when someone is at higher risk of complications. NICE supports a delayed prescription in some cases, to be used only if things do not improve.
Outer ear infections are treated with prescription ear drops, sometimes with cleaning of the canal so the drops can work.
Do not use cotton buds or put anything into the ear canal.
When do you need help urgently
Seek same-day assessment for sudden hearing loss in one ear without an obvious cause, for severe pain with a high temperature, or for discharge with fever.
Go to A&E or call 999 for swelling, redness or tenderness behind the ear with the ear pushed forward, weakness of one side of the face, a severe headache, confusion or a stiff neck, or dizziness so severe you cannot stand.
Can you fly with an ear infection
Flying with a blocked or infected ear can be painful because pressure cannot equalise. If possible, wait until symptoms settle. If you must fly, a doctor can advise on decongestants and techniques to equalise pressure, and on whether the eardrum is at risk.
What does it cost to see a private doctor about earache in London
Consultant ENT first appointments in central London commonly cost several hundred pounds, Harley Street GP consultations sit at £250 to £350, and visiting doctor services commonly charge £195 to £350 in the daytime and more at night.
At The Wellness each appointment is a single fee, with prescriptions included. All figures are from prices.
Signature Membership, with same-day access to a doctor, from £6,950 a year or £610 a month.
Home, hotel or office visit with examination, evenings and weekends from £695 and daytime from £495.
Extended 45-minute consultation for recurring ear problems, from £395.
In-person consultation with ear examination, 30 minutes, from £220.
Same-day video consultation, from £150.
Appointments are available 7 days a week at our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia, by video, or at home.
Why patients choose The Wellness for earache
Because the ear is examined, so the treatment matches the cause.
Because antibiotics are used when they help and not when they do not, in line with NICE.
Because sudden hearing loss is treated as urgent, with same-day assessment and referral.
Because a doctor can examine you at home or in your hotel when you are too unwell to travel.
And because ear wax, sinus and throat problems can be dealt with in the same appointment.
Related reading
Ear wax removal and microsuction covers blocked ears, sore throat, tonsillitis and sinusitis covers infections that cause referred ear pain, dizziness and vertigo covers balance problems, and flu, COVID or a cold covers winter viruses.
Book a same-day appointment on WhatsApp or call 020 3951 3429.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an ear infection last in adults
A middle ear infection usually gets better within about 3 days and can last up to a week. An outer ear infection usually settles within a week of starting ear drops.
Do I need antibiotics for an ear infection
Often not. NICE notes that antibiotics make only a small difference for most middle ear infections. They are considered for severe symptoms, discharge, no improvement after 3 days, or higher risk. Outer ear infections are treated with drops.
Can a pharmacist treat earache in adults
In England, Pharmacy First covers earache only in children aged 1 to 17. Adults with earache should see a doctor for an examination.
Why does my ear hurt when it looks normal
Pain can be referred to the ear from the jaw joint, teeth, tonsils or throat, which share nerves with the ear. An examination helps find the real source.
Is sudden hearing loss an emergency
Sudden hearing loss in one ear without an obvious cause such as wax needs urgent same-day assessment, because early treatment gives the best chance of recovery.
How much does a private doctor cost for earache in London
At The Wellness an in-person consultation with ear examination is from £220, a home visit from £495 and a video consultation from £150.
The Wellness is a doctor-led private healthcare group providing medical care from our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia. All doctors are GMC-registered. Prescriptions are issued only following a consultation and clinical assessment. In an emergency call 999. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.
Enquire now on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
