Sudden searing pain in my ear, anyone?

[OUCHwhatthefluffisthat]

When I went to bed last night, seemingly out of nowhere, I began to get a searing sharp pain in my right ear. I'm talking a strong 8/10 for pain with jolts of 10/10 pain when I burp (sorry) or changed position.

I took 2 cocodomol and It eventually subsided enough for me to get some sleep but I was up with the continuous pain until about 4am.

That ear is completely blocked today and whilst the 'constant' pain is better than it was, whenever I yawn or the pressure in my ear changes I'm getting that searing sharp pain. Unfortunately I've missed the window for a GP appointment today as you have to call at 8am so will try again tomorrow.

Has anybody experienced this before? Is it typical of an ear infection?

Have you tried a decongestant?

Not yet but I'm going to pop to the chemist for one once I've finished what work needs to be done.

I had pain like this but in reverse, so ear pain and blocked then sudden sharp pain which I was told by the doctor was the eardrum perforating due to ear infection. It was agony.

My gp practice let you phone at 12pm for emergency appointment if you miss the 8am window. Do you have anything like that?

Or a walk-in clinic near you?