Ear examination and otoscopy

If you have ear discomfort, pain, reduced hearing, a feeling of pressure, or you think you might have an ear infection, our private otoscopy service gets your ears looked at by a trained pharmacist.

It is for people who do not meet the criteria for NHS Pharmacy First, or who would rather have a private assessment than wait for a GP appointment.

Do not book — seek urgent medical help

This service is for minor ear conditions and does not replace emergency care. Please get urgent medical attention if you have any of these:

• Sudden complete hearing loss
• Severe dizziness or loss of balance
• Facial weakness
• Significant swelling around the ear
• High fever with severe ear pain
• A head injury along with ear symptoms
• Persistent or heavy bleeding from the ear

Call 111, or 999 if it is an emergency.

What it costs

• £20 covers the consultation and the examination, whether or not you need treatment.
• If treatment is appropriate, medication is extra — from £15, on a private prescription we write and dispense here.

What is included

• A consultation to talk through your symptoms
• Examination of one or both ears with an otoscope
• An explanation of what we find
• Treatment for certain minor outer and middle ear infections, where that is clinically appropriate
• A referral recommendation if you need further assessment

Treatment for minor ear infections

If you need treatment for a minor outer or middle ear infection, we can write and dispense a private prescription. Medication starts at £15.

Not every ear infection can be treated safely in a pharmacy. Some need a GP, an urgent care service or a hospital specialist — if that is the case we will tell you at the appointment and point you the right way.

Cancellation and non-attendance

If you cannot attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as you can, and at least 24 hours beforehand, so the time can go to someone else.