Ear Infection Treatment
Is this service right for me?
We assess and treat infections of the outer and middle ear. Here’s who it suits — and when the NHS route or your GP is the better answer.
| Your situation | Details | What we’ll do |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable Adults with earache or outer-ear infection | Pain, itching, a feeling of fullness or slight discharge — often after swimming or earbud use | Otoscope assessment and treatment where clinically appropriate, usually in the same visit |
| Suitable Children from age 1 | Earache is one of the most common childhood complaints | Ages 1–17 can often be treated FREE under the NHS Pharmacy First earache pathway — we’ll use that route whenever it applies |
| Consider Infections that keep coming back | Recurrent infections deserve a proper look and prevention advice | Assessment plus practical prevention guidance; GP referral if a pattern needs investigating |
| See a GP Severe or persistent symptoms | High fever, spreading redness, significant hearing loss or symptoms beyond a week | We’ll tell you straight when a GP or urgent care is the right place |
Not sure? Book the consultation — an honest assessment costs £19.90 and includes treatment where appropriate.
What is an ear infection?
Ear infections affect either the outer ear (otitis externa — the canal between the opening of the ear and the ear drum) or the middle ear (otitis media, behind the drum). Outer-ear infections are commonly triggered by trapped water — swimming, showers — which creates the warm, moist environment bacteria love; middle-ear infections usually follow a bacterial or viral infection reaching the ear.
Typical symptoms come on quickly: pain, discomfort, a feeling of fullness, itching and sometimes a slight pus-like discharge. The reassuring truth is that most infections settle on their own within 3–7 days, and simple pain relief is often all that’s needed.
Treatment earns its keep when the infection is severe, very painful or recurrent. At the consultation our pharmacist examines the ear with an otoscope, distinguishes viral from bacterial infection, and — where a bacterial infection warrants it — can supply antibiotic ear drops. Prevention matters too: keep cotton buds and fingers out of your ears, use earplugs or a swim hat in the pool, and keep water and shampoo out when you wash.
What happens at your appointment
A private consultation with a healthcare professional at 124 Frimley Road, Camberley.
| Stage | Details | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Consultation | A thorough run-through of your symptoms and history | Discreet consultation room; adults and children from age 1 |
| 2 · Otoscope examination | We look at the ear canal and drum — a healthy drum looks almost clear | This tells us whether infection is present and whether it looks bacterial or viral |
| 3 · Treatment or advice | Antibiotic ear drops where a bacterial infection warrants them; otherwise honest advice and pain-relief guidance | Antibiotics are prescription-only — a consultation may not always end in a supply |
Children aged 1–17 with earache can often be seen free under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme — just ask, and we’ll use the free route whenever it applies.
Ear infection treatment prices
One transparent price, treatment included where clinically appropriate.
| Service | Price | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation & treatment | £19.90 | Private consultation with a healthcare professional and antibiotic ear drops where clinically appropriate |
| NHS Pharmacy First (ages 1–17) | Free | Earache pathway for children and teenagers — no charge when eligibility criteria are met |
Antibiotic ear drops are prescription-only medicines: supply follows the pharmacist’s consultation, and a consultation may not always result in a supply.
How it works
Book online in 2 minutes
Same-week appointments are usually available — or walk in and ask at the counter.
Private consultation
Symptoms, history and an otoscope examination in our consultation room.
Leave with the right option
Treatment where appropriate, self-care advice where it isn’t, GP referral when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do all ear infections need treatment?
No — most clear up on their own within 3–7 days, and some within one to two weeks. Treatment is worthwhile when the infection is severe, very painful or keeps returning. We’ll always give you an honest answer rather than treat for the sake of it.
How do you check my ear?
With an otoscope — a small magnifying tool with a light. A healthy ear drum looks almost clear; an infected ear shows inflammation, and the examination helps distinguish a bacterial infection (which drops can help) from a viral one (which they can’t).
What treatment can the pharmacist supply?
Where a bacterial infection warrants it, antibiotic ear drops can be supplied after the consultation. They are prescription-only medicines, so supply always follows the assessment — and a consultation may not always result in a supply.
Is the service suitable for children?
Yes — from age 1. Better still, children and teenagers aged 1–17 with earache can often be treated free under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme. We’ll use the free NHS route whenever your child qualifies.
How can I prevent ear infections?
Keep cotton buds and fingers out of your ears, wear earplugs or a swimming hat in the pool, and keep water and shampoo out of your ears in the shower. Recurrent infections deserve a proper assessment.
How much does it cost?
£19.90, including the consultation and antibiotic treatment where clinically appropriate. For children aged 1–17 the NHS Pharmacy First route is free when the criteria are met.
Rated by 1,200+ patients of our Camberley pharmacy and clinics.
GPhC registered pharmacy 1105418 · Superintendent pharmacist Jirina Thielens (GPhC 2069634).
This guide follows UK national health guidance (NHS) and was last reviewed in August 2026. Recommendations can change — your consultation always reflects the latest advice.
Earache that won’t settle?
Same-week assessment and honest advice at VSM Pharmacy Camberley — book online or walk in.
Book Your Ear Consultation