Finding a private ENT doctor in the London area

[Katejo1963]

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?

[doglover1973]

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.

[Katejo1963 in reply to doglover1973]

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.

[doglover1973 in reply to Katejo1963]

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.

[Katejo1963 in reply to doglover1973]

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.

[doglover1973 in reply to Katejo1963]

I hope so Katie. Let us know how you get on 🙂

[Linley]

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

[Shells1]

Hi Dr vik Veer Ent Harley Street, google him goid luck x

[Katejo1963 in reply to Shells1]

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.

[Hidden]

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

[Katejo1963 in reply to Hidden]

What help did you get from the appointment? Was the problem resolved?

[Hidden]

Still unresolved....I'm between 2 diagnoses- menieres and vestibular migraine! Glad I went though, was listened to. xx

[Katejo1963 in reply to Hidden]

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.

[Hidden in reply to Katejo1963]

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

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

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

[Katejo1963 in reply to Hidden]

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.

[Hidden]

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