Hello! would it be possible for an ear infection that started from a piercing, to work its way to the brain resulting in a brain infection? if so how fast could that happen? could it also damage the actual eardrum resulting in hearing loss?

We never say never in medicine but this pattern is more fantacy than reality. Piercings can become infected and extend superficially in the ear and other outer skin. There is no direct communication between the external head skin and the brain. Piercings also do not cause middle ear infections or hearing loss.

Would urge you to handle your anxieties through brief counseling, as your fears are indeed potentially disabling. Local infection in your earlobe will not cause meningitis, brain abscesses, or even deafness, and can be handled easily with brief antibiotic intervention.