I’ve used private health care 4x now in the UK & paid with my own pocket ( I did look at insurance but didn’t think it was worth it). One of the times I had mastoids and no NHS doctor would diagnose me but I knew something was wrong, I went to a private ENT he diagnosed me straight away, told me what I needed to do, he referred me back to NHS & got treatment asap! Same when my husband broke his knee, NHS X-ray said it was fine just a small hairline crack, went to private doctor after 2 days of the unbearable pain he had, had X-rays and the hairline crack was a visible large break! Doctor advised he needed surgery said it would be expensive and referred us to a colleague who works in the NHS and had it done there.
each experience has been wonderful, they often will find the problem & offer treatment, or refer you back to the NHS with supporting evidence.I hope you get some relief soo! Ear pain is not the one!!