Otitis externa
Ear pain
Ear Pain Assessment in Nottingham
Ear pain can be sharp, aching, burning, pressure-like or intermittent. The pain may come from the ear canal, eardrum, middle ear, jaw joint, throat, dental area or surrounding skin, so careful assessment is important.
What patients notice
Common symptoms and signs
Symptoms can overlap between different ear conditions. The safest first step is a careful clinical assessment so treatment is based on what is actually seen and heard during your appointment.
- Sharp or aching ear pain
- Pain with discharge or wetness
- Pain after swimming or ear cleaning
- Pressure or pain with hearing change
- Pain with itching, swelling or tenderness
Possible causes
What could be causing this?
The cause can vary from person to person. Your clinician will consider your symptoms, medical history and ear examination findings before advising on the most appropriate next step.
Middle-ear infection or pressure
Ear canal trauma or cotton bud irritation
Wax pressing against sensitive canal skin
Referred pain from jaw, throat or dental causes
How we can help
Doctor-led assessment at Nottingham Ear Clinic
Your doctor will assess the pattern of pain, examine the ear carefully and explain whether the problem appears ear-related. Where appropriate, treatment advice, private prescription, swabbing or onward care may be discussed.
Safety guidance
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most ear symptoms can be assessed in a routine appointment, but some symptoms should not wait.
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Facial weakness, severe headache or neurological symptoms
- Marked dizziness, collapse or severe balance disturbance
- Swelling, redness or tenderness spreading around the ear
- High temperature, feeling very unwell, diabetes or reduced immune function
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or concerning, please contact your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers about ear pain and when to book an appointment.
Can ear pain be treated at Nottingham Ear Clinic?
Yes, where the cause is suitable for clinic assessment and management. The doctor will examine your ears and advise whether treatment, prescription, follow-up or onward care is appropriate.
Can ear pain be caused by something outside the ear?
Yes. Jaw joint problems, dental issues, throat inflammation and surrounding skin conditions can sometimes cause pain felt in the ear.
When is ear pain urgent?
Severe or rapidly worsening pain, swelling around the ear, facial weakness, severe headache, dizziness, high temperature or feeling very unwell should be assessed urgently through appropriate NHS services.
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