Hello, Thank you for posting your query, As per your description you are having an ENT infection and an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). The cough and cold are due to the URTI and since it has been persisting for over a week, I will suggest you first of visit your doctor so that he/she could evaluate the extend to which your infection has progressed. Normally, it is usually cause by virus and symptoms would disappear on its on or with use of antituissive ( for cough) and antihistamine/steroid for the cold. It could also be caused by bacteria and very common. So your doctor might need to place you on antibiotics like amoxicillin+clavulinic acid or azithromycin tablets etc. The ear pain might be due to an associated bacteria infection which my have been a hematogenic propagation of the URTI and a course of antibiotics might need to be administered. There is probably no permanent damage done yet. Permanent damage like hypoacusia or deafness can result due to ear infection (acute otitis) but it is very very very rare. An urgent visit to your doctor, will be of paramount importance so that your affection could be managed in due time. Hope this helps