Hi Ellen. If your ear pain is caused by vascular pooling, it's possible that elevating the head of your bed might provide some relief. Raise the frame 4 to 6 inches so the entire bed is at an angle, to allow for your whole body to be evenly stretched out while you sleep (not just your head or upper body). It is quite comfortable and easy to do. Bricks, wood blocks, or even old books work nicely. Also try a medium softness to soft pillow to take the pressure off the peripheral ear area. The other item you could include in positioning your head might include a McKensie roll. It's a soft neck bolster that doesn't impede circulation like firmer bolsters tend to do. Good luck.
UPArtist