Relief for ears

Ever since I got pregnant with my first child (almost 5 years ago) and the progesterone caused me to become clogged up, it seems like my middle ear has not ever really been able to release pressure. I have had one pregnancy since then which did make it worse. I have been to my family doctor and he has said the my ear was a little inflamed. I am not about taking a bunch of medications. I like to try natural approaches first. I am wondering how to get it so my ear can be normal again. Every time I swallow my ears pop, and sometimes they just clog up worse out of nowhere. Also, do you think that TMJ could have anything to do with this? I have not been dx with TMJ but my jaw, where it meets my ear, does make this crackling sound in my ear when i shift my jaw sometimes. It is gross. Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you.  P.s. I do the sinus rinse, and ear candles to not work for me. :)