Ear Health
Not sure whether your ear problem needs an audiologist, a pharmacist, your GP or urgent care? Here’s a straight-talking guide — including when not to wait for a routine appointment.
Contact your GP urgently, NHS 111, or emergency services as appropriate — do not wait for a routine hearing appointment. In line with NHS/NICE guidance, sudden hearing loss developing over three days or less may need referral within 24 hours.
Find your symptom below and we’ll point you the right way — even if that’s not to us.
Earwax is a common cause, but pressure changes and other ear conditions can feel similar. We can examine your ears and advise whether wax removal, a hearing assessment or medical advice is most appropriate.
→ We can usually assess this.
If your hearing has slowly become duller over months or years, a hearing assessment can determine whether it’s caused by wax or a change in your hearing.
→ We can help.
If your hearing changed suddenly — over hours or a few days, especially in one ear — seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
→ Urgent GP, NHS 111 or ENT assessment.
Common and rarely serious. With a blocked ear or a hearing change we can check that; on its own, start with your GP. See our tinnitus guidance.
→ Sometimes us, often your GP.
A painful, weeping or infected ear needs a pharmacist or GP, not an audiologist — we don’t treat infections.
→ See your pharmacist or GP.
Often harmless, but resist cotton buds — they push wax in and irritate the skin. If it persists, a GP can check for eczema or infection.
→ Advice below; GP if it lingers.
Do not insert tweezers, cotton buds or other objects. Contact NHS 111, your GP or urgent care for advice. A button battery, sharp object, bleeding or severe pain needs emergency assessment.
→ Urgent medical care — not an audiology appointment.
We’re audiologists, not a replacement for your GP — here’s where we fit in.
This guide is general information to help you decide where to turn — it isn’t a diagnosis. If you’re worried about your ears or hearing, please contact us or your GP. In an emergency, call 999 or NHS 111.
Reviewed by the clinical team at Wickersley Audiology (HCPC & BSHAA registered). Lee — I can add a named clinician and a review date here for extra authority.
Call us first on 01709 437250 — we’ll tell you honestly whether it’s something we can help with, or one for your GP.
