Op,i can understand, given your history, you are concerned. So, if you are genuinely worried try to speak with your GP or call 111 now . It could be” just” a standard ear infection. . Sadly ears are buggers cos it takes specialist equipment and training to actually see what’s going on in there- otoscope and none of us on here can second guess that.
if you do assume at this stage it’s an ear infection- don’t underestimate it. I used to be plagued with ear infections. Ear infections are one of the most painful things to get ( imho worse than childbirth and on a par with kidney stones)
yes, it might clear on its own. Even if you can get a GP appointment they won’t treat with antibiotics until their sure there’s a bacterial infection. Most ear infections are viral and there are no meds in the world right now, to treat those. antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. So you are going to need to wait at least 3 -5 days till a GP may confirm they can prescribe antibiotics anyway.
in meantime go to pharmacy and get strong painkillers- codeine based if needs. You can also ask pharmacist for advice - they have 4/5 years medical training and are very knowledgeable- they have a private room you can ask for a consult in.
other things: . Try to avoid lying on your side and at night it may help to raise your head slightly higher than normal- it will be worse at night lying down, due to the ears physiology. Some people ( inc nhs) swear by placing warm or cold flannel on ear- make sure it’s dry though. Keep the ear dry - try to avoid washing your hair for instance. Do not poke it, don’t put anything into it . If you’re a user of ear buds - throw them in the bin and never ever use them again. 😱
personally, if pain intensifies I’d self certify sick- couldn’t think when pain got intense
seek immediate help if you start to get discharge, high temperature, feeling sick or a sudden loss of hearing (as ear swells with infection you get hearing loss- but this is sudden on set due to potential ear drum burst).