Ear Infections: What to Look For and When to Get Seen in Plymouth
Ear infections are common as the colder months arrive or following swimming, sometimes following a cold. They can be surprisingly painful, and while many settle by themselves, a proper look inside the ear is the only way to know what’s really going on.
Common symptoms
An ear infection typically causes earache or a throbbing pain, a feeling of fullness or pressure, reduced or muffled hearing, and sometimes fluid or discharge from the ear. There may be a temperature, and in children irritability, tugging at the ear and disturbed sleep are common signs.
What usually helps
Many ear infections improve within a few days with simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and a warm compress. Antibiotics aren’t always needed – which is exactly why an examination is useful, so treatment fits the problem rather than guessing.
When to get checked
Get seen if the pain is severe or lasts more than a couple of days, there’s discharge from the ear, hearing is noticeably reduced, symptoms keep coming back, or the person affected is very young or otherwise unwell. Seek urgent help if there’s swelling or redness behind the ear, a severe headache, or a stiff neck.
Why a proper look matters
You can’t diagnose an ear infection over video. At Tamar Health you’re seen in person by an Advanced Practitioner (AP) who can examine the ear directly, tell you what they can see, and prescribe treatment if it’s needed and clinically appropriate.
Our autumn urgent appointments: in-person examination for adults and children, treatment prescribed on the day when appropriate, three clinic sessions a week with limited waiting and same-day slots often available. All appointments are booked in advance.
Learn more about our urgent appointments in Plymouth
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