Hey guys, I've been having some issues with my ears and I'm trying to see if maybe someone here has any advice.
I've been suffering from tinnitus, ear pain and possibly hyperacusis (left ear only) for the past couple of months, I've been to a few ENT specialists but have yet to receive any answers (I'm assuming these guys arent really interested in my problem only in running more and more $$tests$$) . I've done all the hearing tests and they all came out fine. Now here's my story:
I have a problem with clogged ears, so about a year ago, I took it upon myself to buy an ear curette with a safety ring. So, a few months back I might have overused the curette and the next day my left ear felt clogged and painful almost like an ear infection. That passed, then I guess a week or two later I started getting these symptoms (ringing, occasional ear aches in both ears and whooshing or fluttering in my left ear. The whooshing happens when I'm speaking, others are speaking, pots or metal clanging together, etc.). I had definite wax impaction that was cleared by an ENT specialist but the symptoms persisted. Now, my ears are getting worse, I feel pain in them more frequently, constantly fatigued, have bad anxiety, the ringing is crazy and the fluttering happens even with soft sounds.
My basic questions are, is it possible that these symptoms could have arose from my being overzealous with the curette? Could these symptoms be a result of a scraped ear canal? And finally, is it possible that I could have damaged my tensor tympani by going too far into my ear canal? If that is possible, is there any chance of returning to normal or would the damage more than likely be done?
Sorry for the long post, but if anyone could help even answering one question, I'd be sooo greatly appreciative. It would mean so so much to me, Thanks!
Some more info: I'm a 21 year old musician who used to play loud and listen to headphones cranked up (but i doubt these are the prime causes even though normally i'd say of course), i have freakishly small ears (haha maybe I have less cilia to spare), a nailbiter, and have high anxiety. If any of that helps, thanks!