He seems to be having ear pain, pressure build up and shooting pains in the ear canal. what could this be and is there any over-the-counter drugs 4 it?

Otitis media: Sounds like an ear infection. I would recommend seeing a doctor for antibiotics that will specifically target the most common bacteria that cause otitis media. I can't be sure without a physical exam, but if this continues, have a physician take a peak into his ear to see if there is an infection behind the eardrum. If it gets worse, fever does not break, etc, get to doc sooner.