There are few times, my wife had ear pain. It happens either left or right ear. ENT ruled out ear infection. Today, pain was in left ear. It was deep inside. Lasted for 30-60 seconds. Conscious, but she stood in one position. After pain subsided, she could feel like inflammation in that area. She says deep inside ear.
She should see a doctor. I assume the ENT has ruled out glue ear type scenarios? (Quite common, and my doctor told me that adults complain much more than children.)