Ear infections (acute otitis media) 

Ear infections are very common, particularly in children. They often get better on their own within 3 days.

Who can use this service

• Children and young people aged between 1 and 17.  

Who cannot use this service

• Pregnant people under the age of 16 should contact their GP practice. 

• If you’ve had an ear infection 3 times or more in the past 6 months, or 4 times or more in the past 12 months then the pharmacist can examine you and give advice. 

Symptoms of an ear infection

• pain inside the ear (earache)
• a high temperature
• difficulty hearing
• discharge running out of the ear
• a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
• itching and irritation in and around the ear
• scaly skin in and around the ear