I have had ear infection symptoms (blocked ear, throbbing, inflammation, tinnitus and loss of hearing) for 2 months. I have exhausted the GP options. I have had AB's and antibiotic ear drops with no improvement. I have been to A & E twice (sent by GP). Last time I was told not to worry and was sent home without seeing an ENT doctor and was told that I would get a follow up appointment but still nothing.
Can anyone recommend an ENT doctor? How much did an initial consultation cost?
Hi Katejo1963 I'm sorry you're struggling with an ear infection. Very unpleasant. You could try one of the private hospitals - like Spire or Nuffield. They'll have ENT doctors who specialize in ears who might be more helpful than anyone you've seen so far . I believe it's about £200 for a consult but it may be more in the London area. Good Luck.
Thanks Doglover1973. I have just hesitated about which hospital to contact because ENT is such a broad area. It feels as though I still have an infection because of the blocked feeling and the way in which it came on suddenly. I have never lost hearing in previous infections.
If you look on Spire, Nuffield or BMI - as Linley suggests - you'll find profiles of all their ENT specialists and you can choose one who specializes in ears . It sounds as if you need to see someone as soon as possible.
thanks. I have emailed london-ent.co.uk/contact/ which covers several different hospital groups including Spire asking about their services and Spire and giving an outline of my problems. Hopefully I will get a reply.
I hope so Katie. Let us know how you get on 🙂
Hi Katejo1963 One of the dog walkers I meet regularly had the same prob as you and went to a private ENT Doctor in Greater London she was so relieved she did so. Not sure it's the appropriate thing to actually recommend a specialist by name so all I would say she found a BMI hospital and specialist initial consultation for £180.00. Good Luck
Hi Dr vik Veer Ent Harley Street, google him goid luck x
I always imagine that Harley St doctors will be more expensive than other London practices. Perhaps I am wrong? Just trying to decide which hospital/practice to try.
Hi it is so frustrating. I went to the Nuffield hospital in Glasgow for similar symptoms in Novemberlast year. It was £240 for a half hour consultation. Hope you get something to ease the symptoms. xx
What help did you get from the appointment? Was the problem resolved?
Still unresolved....I'm between 2 diagnoses- menieres and vestibular migraine! Glad I went though, was listened to. xx
Sorry to hear that it wasn't resolved. Did the private doctor refer you back to an NHS one ? When I was at the local A and E , I met a lady of similar age to myself who had had almost exactly the same symptoms over roughly the same period. Wish I had exchanged a phone number with her. It comforted me a bit to know that someone else was having the same experience.
The private doctor wrote a report which helped me towards ill health retirement from teaching as I was able to submit it to occupational health as part of my medical evidence. A few months after this I contacted NHS ENT to say my condition was still not settling. I get fluctuating hearing levels, giddiness, ear pressure and tinnitus. Most recent NHS ENT days it is menieres symptoms and advised rest. I just take each stage and do things if I feel well. Good luck xx
PS Katejo1963 this site is great...I've been on in the past during vertigo attacks. I was feeling quite panicked and had a low mood...the replies were an amazing help. 💐 xx
I have just been reading up on the connection between underactive thyroid and sudden hearing loss. I was born with this. The A & E doctor did mention it but my GP seemed to dismiss it because I have regular blood tests to check thyroxine levels. However he has just asked me to repeat the tests. Damage may already have been done.
I didn't know about that. That is interesting. Hopefully there is something that can be done to help. I think mine's is genetic as lots of females in my family had hearing/inner ear probs. Take care xx
Itching Ears post Microsuction 
Is it worth a try? 
tinnitus from a kiss 
3 noises!
Looking for advice, NHS were useless
