You had mentioned the doctor wanted to give you aCortizone, did you mean prednisone? If so, I know people don’t like to take prednisone but in severe cases you take one pack and it definitely works! All the best to you and I hope you feel better soon.

Sounds like a version of neuralgia. Different types attributed to different nerves, some of which impact, eyes, face, etc and others ears.
Redness seems more like a reaction to something. I get it off and on and it sure does hurt and just wait it out. "Regular" people get it as well just not as severe or often as people like us with nerve issues.
I have found no remedies, nor a connection to why it flares at times, but no idea why my other flares happen either.
Good luck. Can always try a different doc. Which seems like many of us have to do often.

Do you have TMJ? That's what's caused my ear, face and eye pain for a year along with headaches. Make sure it's not in your jaw. Initially I was treated with several rounds of antibiotics to treat sinus infections that I didn't have.

Yes I get ear pain.

Did you have any past injuries to this area,such as ear infections, tubes put in or a head injury? I have more pain more in areas that I have had injured in the past . I mean way back,since I'm 61.