squalsal....you have asked the question,so I will be honest with my answers.
Yes, the two are connected and ear problems can sometimes, but rarely cause neurological problems and yes I have come ascross this situation before.
Two conditions spring to mind:
1) Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis...........this is very uncommon and mat well be life threatening.....needs treatment from either a Neurological Unit or a Neuro-Otologist.
2) Cholesteatoma......unlikely as it is almost always associated with a disharging ear, which you have not mentioned.
This is a big deal.
Thw expertise of the doctors and nurses is paramaount here and please keep me informed.