Christmas Eve started with stabbing pain in ear. Used heating pad which usually helps right away but not this time. Very sensitive from top of head to behind my ear. Called doctor on call day after Christmas, suggested Tylenol and over the counter ear drops. Moderate help. Called doctor Monday and had to see the PA. He said he did not seen any reddness, swelling, or inflamation and at that time there wasn't any sensitivity. Later that evening the stabbing pain was returning but not as frequently but now tonight it is worse and was difficult to open mouth wide and hurt to chew and swallow. I have been gargling with salt water and using "Simply Saline" in nostrils. Got any idea what could be causing this as it is very unusual for me to have an ear ache?