close to the ear
Typically used in the phrase 耳元で to describe something happening or being said right next to someone's ear.
彼は私の耳元でささやいた。
He whispered close to my ear.
耳元で大きな音がして驚いた。
I was startled by a loud noise right next to my ear.
He whispered "It's okay" close to my ear.
The phone alarm rang right next to my ear and startled me.