loss of hearing on one side?

the last time i had an ear infection was like.... 15 years ago? and i’m not even sure i would chalk this up to being an infection, but about five days ago i was suffering from partial hearing loss in my left ear. as of yesterday, it was completely blocked and that entire side feels like it’s underwater.

obviously i don’t think this warrants a trip to the E.R., and i’m not sure if it’s pregnancy related, but could be because of all the change in hormones (or at least that’s what my mother thinks...).

i’ve tried salt water drips, hot compress, steamy shower, afrin (per pharmacists direction - he said it would cause no harm to me or the baby - 6w5d) — is there ANY over the counter ear drop or anything else that i can try to get some damn relief?! has anyone else ever dealt with this? i think it’s also fueling my HG, so there’s that...