i am a 20 yr old female , 5 2 114 lbs with no significant medical history. I had an ear infection that eventually ruptured my ear drum. fluid leaked out and pressure was alleviated. after going to the ENT doctor, i was informed that the tinnitus i had experienced due to the rupture would most likely go away after a few months, however it has been over a year and this is not the case. i have someone excessive ear wax , moderate periodic hearing loss from time to time, tinnitus, and sudden painful pressure accumulations in the previously infected ear. an MRI revealed no acoustic neuroma. i theorize that some eustachian tube damage may have occured preventing proper drainage of mucus etc... the cause is very difficult to pin.