Suggest Remedy For Shooting Pain In The Ears

i have had a ear ache for about a week it hurts constanley most of the time and every now and then i get a shooting pain. it also hurts more when i swallow. i have no cold or flu symtoms other than snezzing which i have put down to allergies or hayfever. my friend has recenlty ben told she has shingles. i had chicken pox but have no rashes or small spots that i can see or feel. i have taken nothing for this