Hello @ellienewfan. I have a painful skin disease which hurts every time something touches skin, especially when I lie down. Dermatologist prescribed Lidocaine cream for me to apply to neck, shoulder, chest, EAR, and anything else that is painful when I try to sleep, I also have sleep apnea, wear mask with apap, and this has nothing to do with painful ear. Have worn mask for 15 to 20 years, and painful ear at night did not start till maybe 5 years ago. The Lidocaine cream is wonderful and you might want to ask doctor for prescription. Ask for the jar, cause you will lose some cream in a tube.