Btw don't want to derail the thread about the flood! This is good info because I was/am considering AR as a possible state to move and good to know where the floods are.
I agree get this checked very soon because could be totally different thing giving you pain. If you have not had it looked at serious before this could also be why you have problems with that ear. For example if you had a tumor growing there it might press on your ear and make you lose hearing...
My ASL teacher who was deaf also gave us the sign for Coke as a shot in the arm with no drink motion after. I really liked him because he gave new signs and then also gave us the old sign. He explained we don't use this sign and this one is better. Also for we were given for car (hands on wheel)...