Hi,
This could be mastoiditis, cervical lymphadenopathy or parotitis.
Have you seen an ENT specialist or your doctor for your symptoms? Do you have any associated symptoms of pain, discharge, fever, etc?
'Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid process, the portion of the temporal bone of the skull that is behind the ear. It is usually caused by untreated acute otitis media (middle ear infection) .'
You could read more about the condition at the following links -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastoidectomy
and
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic306.htm
Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.
Post us about what your doctor advises.
Regards.
The hard lump behind one's ears are usually swollen lymph nodes. They can be tender when they swell, but should NOT be red or purple. Have your Dr. check it. Quix