Need help, I really don't know what other step to take.

Hello @hob21. Being a non-professional human, I plugged your questions into Gemini AI. The following is what it wrote...

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Gemini said:

"It sounds like this person is caught in a frustrating "diagnostic loop" where their test results don't match the severity of what they are feeling. When multiple specialists (ENTs) provide conflicting views or find "perfect" results despite clear symptoms, it often points toward something functional, meaning the structures are fine, but the way they are moving or reacting is off.

Based on the symptoms they described, here are a few avenues they might want to explore or discuss with their medical team:

1. The TMJ and Muscle Connection
Even though they mentioned their jaw doesn't "hurt," the fact that they clench at night is a major clue. The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is located extremely close to the ear canal and the Eustachian tubes.

Muscular Tension: Chronic clenching can cause the tensor veli palatini—the muscle responsible for opening the Eustachian tube—to become tight or spasm. This leads to that "muffled" feeling and crackling, even if the tube itself looks physically open on an MRI.

Next Step: They might want to see a TMJ specialist or a dentist specifically trained in orofacial pain. A custom-fitted night guard can sometimes alleviate the pressure on the ear area.

2. Silent Reflux (LPR)
The mention of acid reflux is another significant "red flag." Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), or "silent reflux," can reach all the way up to the nasopharynx where the Eustachian tubes exit.

Inflammation: Acid vapors can irritate the lining of the tubes, causing them to swell just enough to cause "muffled" hearing and popping, even if standard pressure tests (tympanometry) look normal.

The "Fasting" Clue: The fact that their symptoms vanish when they don't eat is a very strong indicator that their diet or the gastric response to food is a primary trigger.

3. Somatic Symptom Tracking
Since a psychiatrist helped them find some stability with a mood stabilizer, it suggests the nervous system is in a state of "high alert."

The Near-Miss Accident: A traumatic event can prime the brain to over-process sensory input (like tinnitus or slight pressure changes) that it used to ignore. This isn't "all in their head," but rather their brain’s "volume knob" being stuck on high.

Neuroplasticity: They might look into Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). It’s a specialized physical therapy that helps the brain re-calibrate balance and ear signals.

Summary of Advice for Them:
Keep a Food/Symptom Diary: Since fasting helps, they should track exactly what they eat to see if specific triggers (caffeine, sodium, or high-acid foods) spike the tinnitus.

Consult a TMJ Specialist: Address the clenching directly, as it often mimics ear dysfunction.

Ask about LPR: Talk to a GI specialist or ENT specifically about "silent reflux" treatments to see if calming the acid calms the ear inflammation.

It is heartbreaking to hear they’ve pushed people away, but the fact that they’ve recognized the behavioral pattern is a huge step toward recovery. They are essentially dealing with a physical issue that has "overloaded" their nervous system."

I hope you resolve your issue. Please keep everyone informed, that is why we are all here! Most times I answer with a human response. However, some issues are beyond me!

....am just reaching far out on this because I too have similar symptoms etc. and seems worse after I eat... so past few months trying on my own to eliminate some foods but not easy as already on restricted diet re ibs-d etc. Anyway, for what it is worth I just did a quick internet search and found this but dont want to muddy the waters with what you are trying, hang in there.. there IS a solution... somewhere.... J.
"Yes, food allergies and sensitivities can cause inside ear issues by triggering inflammation, swelling, and increased mucus production. This can lead to eustachian tube dysfunction, causing symptoms like ear pressure, itching, fluid buildup (effusion), and, in some cases, vertigo or chronic ear infections, particularly in children" ?????

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through all of this. Unfortunately, ear problems can be challenging to diagnose with blood test or imaging and the provider has to rely on the patients symptoms. I've experienced all of the above, although from a different injury. You're not imagining any of the symptoms and don't let anyone make you feel like you are. Continue to advocate for yourself if things are not normal for you. Also, check out cochlear hypdrops NOT Menieres. A lot of the symptoms are similar. I personally experienced this for a short time. You could also try elevating yourself when you sleep at night to reduce GERD. Remain elevated for at least 2 hours after a meal. Read up on night guards, but be cautious as they can sometimes make TMJ worse. Try eating cleaner and reducing sodium and caffeine which can play a part in the fluid levels in our ears. Good luck. I pray you get some relief.

@tmragain well, they actually did some testing to that.... cochlear or endolymphatic hydrops, which came out negative as well... I thought it was at the beginning, but after the exams, well maybe I have to keep searching

Have you explored that you may have a mold reaction or mast cell activation (MCA)? Many doctors know little about this. Mast cell activation can be triggered by mold or other things. If you have had excess stress in your life, your immune system may be compromised and you may have triggered MCA. I had many of the symptoms that you have, got no help from 3 ENT specialists and a jaw specialist dentist. Try going to a doctor that knows about mold or MCA - you may have to go to a naturopathic doctor that specializes in this. Look up a book called "Toxic".