Off and on for about eight years, I've had a problem with my right ear where it will sometimes make a sort of roaring/static sound, somewhat like a jet breaking the sound barrier. It is usually triggered by loud noises (or pressure?), but once it starts it continues with very little noise/pressure, being activated even by my own voice when I'm speaking quietly. I can also hear this sound even when there is no noise, if I lightly touch my right cheek next to my ear.
Recently I noticed that I have a small lump on my cheek just in front of my ear. It is only on my right side and it is a little sensitive if I press on it. I don't know if it related but in case it is I thought I'd better mention it.
Many years ago when this first started I went to my primary doctor and he said it was due to allergies and gave me Allegra. I don't have any sorts of allergies and I explained this to him but I still took the sample he provided me which did nothing. I then went to an ENT specialist who told me the problem was my teeth, and that I should get my wisdom teeth removed. I did get them removed earlier this year and the problem with my ears persisted.
I've had a history of ear infections when I was younger, and still have some occasional ringing in both of my ears, but I don't know if this is specifically related or something distinct from that. I know about tinnitus but I've never heard of anyone else describing a roaring/static sound, and the fact that it can be activated by just touching my cheek makes me think it's not just another ear infection. If you have any idea what this could be, plese let me know. Thanks.