"Ear Nose and Throat Referral"

I was referred to ENT at STH after having an ear infection and ongoing pain since August 2020. The ENT said it was just pain and seemed annoyed when I stated I would not take the Amitriptyline they suggested and go. I explained I had constant pain in my left ear, it 'pops' several times a day and the canal is dry/flaky but there is no discharge and had it been this way since August 2020. I was concerned the ear infection I had last year had not been managed correctly and that there may be lasting damage to my ear/hearing.  

They then agreed for me to have a hearing test (normal), pressure test (normal) and CT and MRI (both clear). They called me a few weeks later to suggest my GP prescribe me Otocomb ointment and an ear balloon. I purchased the balloon as it was readily available and contacted my GP for the ointment. Some weeks later I was informed this ointment is only available in Australia. The GP had to contact ENT to ask for an alternative which took another few weeks to get a response. A letter from ENT today stated that if (they refer to me by the wrong title) I have another infection (it is still the same issue and had been since August 2020) that I can be referred for microsuction. This SPR was dismissive, has not read my notes and has given poor patient care in my opinion.