Earache

Earache is a very common problem, especially in young children, but it can also affect adults. It can be painful but is not usually a sign of anything more serious and will often get better in a few days.  Although young children with earache tend to be fussy and irritable whilst tugging their ears.

lady holding both ears in pain

Types of earache

There are multiple types of earache; it can be a sharp, dull or even, burning pain, it can be constant or come and go, earache can be in both ears but most commonly it’s only in one.

How to treat earache

Using painkillers and placing a warm, or cold, flannel on the ear may help to ease the pain of earache. Never insert anything inside your ear, including cotton buds.

What causes earache?

Earache can be caused by many things. Some of the most common causes are cold and flu, teething, glue ear, wax build-up, a perforated eardrum, even a sore throat/tonsillitis.

Our pharmacy team can advise you on the best treatments available for earache and determine if you need to see your GP.  

Got earache? We can help!

location tag

Find your local pharmacy

Just pop into one of our over 300 pharmacies and speak to our team. Find your nearest one using our pharmacy finder.

Find a pharmacy
icon of an ear

Earache Service

With the NHS Pharmacy First Service, if you live in England, you can now book an appointment to speak to our pharmacist.

Book now
heart with plus sign

In-pharmacy services

We offer lots of services in-pharmacy for customers.

Find out more