Ear has been getting sore during the day. The ear canal has been narrow. There is popping as though there is fluid. It is uncomfortable but not really sore. I woke up and thought I would get a pain killer. I have had this before and it has been treated with ear drops. It is usually an infection in the ear canal. The hearing in the er is less than normal as though there is blockage. When I press on the outside of the ear I can hear popping and that seems to clear the hearing problem slightly.