A partially blocked, painful ear can be caused by earwax buildup or a mild infection. For temporary pain relief, you can take over-the-counter oral pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol. If the blockage is due to earwax, generic olive oil drops or carbamide peroxide drops can help soften it, but only if you have no fluid drainage or history of a torn eardrum. Because ear pain can sometimes indicate an infection that requires prescription drops, it is best to have a healthcare professional look inside your ear with an otoscope for a safe, accurate diagnosis. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or any objects into your ear.

A blocked ear can occur due to earwax buildup, colds or sinus congestion, allergies, fluid in the ear, infection, or pressure changes. The right treatment depends on the cause, so using random ear drops without knowing the reason may sometimes worsen the problem, especially if there is infection or damage to the eardrum. Doctors may prescribe wax-softening ear drops, medicines for allergy or congestion, or antibiotic ear drops if an infection is present. Avoid putting sharp objects, earbuds, oil, or home remedies deep into the ear because they can injure the ear canal or push wax further inside. Swallowing, yawning, steam inhalation, or gentle hydration may help if the blockage is related to cold or pressure changes. Please consult a doctor if the blockage lasts more than a few days or is associated with pain, fever, ringing sound, dizziness, discharge, or hearing loss, as proper ear examination may be needed.

Pain inside the ear that worsens while swallowing is commonly due to a problem in the throat rather than the ear itself, because the ear and throat share the same nerve pathways. This can happen with a sore throat, tonsil infection, or inflammation of the throat lining, where the pain gets referred to the ear. Other possible causes include an ear infection, blockage of the Eustachian tube (which connects the ear to the throat), or even dental issues. In most mild cases, the cause is temporary and improves with rest, warm fluids, and simple pain relief. You can try warm saltwater gargles, stay hydrated, and avoid very cold or irritating foods. However, if the pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, or is associated with fever, difficulty swallowing, reduced hearing, or discharge from the ear, you should consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment.