pluged up ear

In 4 months time I have had 3 sinus infections. Shortly after I had completed my RX for the last infection, about a week after, I awoke with a pluged (plugged) left ear. I went to the Dr. they told me to take allegra-d for a week. The diagnosis was that it could be secondary to a small effusion that can not be seen on exam. Take med for 1 week if not better go see ENT, so I did. There is no wax build up or fluid on the ears. They did a hearing test, yes I had lost some hearing in that ear only. The Dr. said I have probably had a ongoing underlying infection and the previous drugs could not clear it up. So, more drugs again, this time Avelox, even though I hated how I felt I took it for the 10 days. I was also given RX for prednisone that I did not fill,yet. I was told of the side effects by my Dr. and decided to wait it out as he indicated this would clear up on it's own. I am tired of not hearing, will this clear up on its own or should I chance the side effects of the drug?