Yep with my ear pain, heat is the only relief I get - tegretol seems to be ineffective. I have one of those crescent shaped aromatherapy bags that you put in the microwave. It wraps around and cradles the side of my face and it feels so good. I have some heated ear warmers that I keep at work - but so far I have been lucky to not need them, but I am sure I will eventually.
Rhonda