I've had more than 100 ear infections in 70 years. Also I've had 70 years of ear pain. in the last 12 years I've had only 2 ear infections but I've had increasing severity of constant chronic pain in the past 12 years. I consider a 4 level pain as my normal ear pain. Everyday my pain is between 4 to 10 for pain. Most days get to 6-7. My ability to focus has greatly diminished the past 5 years because of the pain. A good day for me is 6hours of level 4 pain. I do my errands, traveling, exercising within those 6 hours- the rest of the day I'm only able to function at a low level of activity. No evening events are possible for me now - I can't focus on people or engage in physical activity. Been to many specialists -ENTs and neurologists. The specialists are stumped. I take ultram 5 times a day or substitute a norco for an ultram- usiually around 5 pm. I take a nap at 3pm everyday to lower pain to get by the rest of the day.