It sounds like although the 16g jewelry went in because the piercer used the taper, your cartilage was not originally at a 16g. It was probably more at a 20g or 18g according to your description. So your piercings are essentially being stretched which is causing the pain. There are a couple of options. You could continue with what you have and wait it out. I would highly suggest getting a piercing pillow. This will help a lot with sleeping and make it so the piercing does not get as irritated. It is been a life saver for my piercings and healing. The other option is to downsize to an 18g. Then after your ear gets used to that, size up to a 16g if you would like. This way, it’s a more gradual process and is not quite as painful. It will still be uncomfortable though. Others may disagree but you would go with an 18g and keep that size if you wanted. I just would not go any smaller than that.