What Causes Recurring Ear Pain And Ringing Sensation In Left Ear?

I am old codger with ear ache, ringing and a recurring pain what appears to be a vein from the outer left ear and stretching to the shoulder. this happens while I am sleeping/ or awaken by the throbbing and pain particularly in/on my left ear . These symptoms appears to be lesser in the right ear. I walk around at times as though someone has hit me in the head. My internist several times said I have SINUS ?? I perpetually fall asleep once I have my breakfast, and the symptoms lingers on during the day.I do not quite equate the above with old age, and further more these are not insurmountable problems , but it is affecting my quality of life.Rudy