Eustachian tube.
I've spent the last two and a half years under a Consultant (BUPA) with similar problems. I don't agree with what your Doctor has advised either! You are more likely to force the blockage further into your eustachian tube with that advice!.
My problem originated from ongoing sinusitis. I'm guessing mucus blocked the canal tube.
I underwent surgery to install a grommet. This involves puncturing the eardrum, vacuuming out the eardrum which also draws 'stuff' out of the eustachian tube, and the grommet is basically a valve. This was done with a local anesthetic. After a year, my first grommet had fallen out (they are meant to) and I had a second (bigger) one installed at the same time as I had nasal restructuring, under general anesthetic.
At the same time as this I have had tinnutis. I have had 6 monthly audio checks and whilst the audio is audible, I am fighting to hear the audio test over the tinnutis. I also have a reduced hearing response at 4khz.
A problem that I had as a result of the grommets was that I would suffer a loud (overbearing) 'swishing' noise, usually towards the end of the day. This was my heartbeat and was similar to sitting next to a washing machine as it was on a drain cycle. Often I would go to bed listening to loud music through headphones (hence my introduction to head-fi) to overcome the sound. 2-3 glasses of red wine also help. Since the second grommet has fallen out this sound has gone away. My ENT specialist said that it was due to an increased ability to hear better, but I disagree. I would say that the grommet was placed next to a blood vessel.
I feel for you, knowing what I have gone though. Best of luck though.
