I have a lump behind my left ear that has been there for

You should not worry about this at all.

This is an enlarged lymph node.

Swollen or enlarged nodes occur due to an infection in the surrounding region. They are a natural reaction to infection and a part of our immunological response.

In your case the node occurred due to your ear infections.
Usually the gland subsides after the infection is over but quite often it can continue to remain enlarged for a long time, often for life.
Enlarged lymph nodes are not at all a cause of worry, all people have a few nodes lifelong.

Another possibility is that this could be bone also, protuberances from the bone are common in this region called osteoma, this is also of no concern, it will not cause you any harm at all and is not related to your ear infections.

You may show it to your doctor the next time you visit them, but in general there is no cause for worry either way.

Hope this resolves your query. If you need more help, just write back here so l can continue to assist. Stay safe!

Dr. P. Jyoti

You should show your doctor for this. You may be having an infection. Dont worry, they will have seen and heard this all many times. There is nothing to worry about this.