@hippygrandma. Hi. Just thought I'd give u my experience w the ear pain. Had it since i was in my late 40's. Am now 76. As i got older it became worse. Also have allergies. Also started in late 40 s. Never made connection. Allergies would make me very sick day after flying. Allergist suggested i double up on my allergy pills. Was taking generic once a day. So i did. Could fly again without getting sick. For some reason i kept taking 2 pills. Last fall my left ear no longer hurt at all. A month later the right one stopped hurting. I've thought about it and the only thing different that i did was the allergy pills. BTW the doc said he thought my cartilage behind each ear was inflamed. But he had no cure. I had lots of tests done. No results showing anything wrong. I stopped doubling up on allergy pills. It started to come back. Resumed the two pills. Went away again. Currently on the 2 pills. Periodically I'll try the 1 pill. But it keeps coming back. This may not b the answer for u but i can lay on both ears ..no pain. It's wonderful. Good luck to u hope u find an answer.