autoimmune ear problems?

[Halfwayuphill]

Sorry this goes on a bit. Along with my UCTD with systemic sclerosis gut problems I’ve developed, I’ve had hearing problems for years. I’ve never really thought it could be another autoimmune problem but recently I couldn’t hear my own voice. I wear hearing aids and have just got new ones and thought it was something to do with me getting used to the new technology (they are Bluetooth with an ap etc). I went back to my audiologist and he examined my ears and said I had glue ear. This rang bells (hah! No pun intended). My old audiologist found this a few years ago and referred me to ENT. They wanted to do an MRI which I hate as claustrophobic and turned down. This time my audiologist sent me to my gp to get steroid drops and buy a balloon Otovent. He wrote on the form I have ET dysfunction. I tried the gadget and drops but oh boy, I got worse over three days. I nearly passed out the first time trying to inflate the balloon and had constant head/ear/neck ache along with dizzyness and nausea. Has anyone on this forum tried this? I’m now beginning to wonder if it’s a connective tissue problem? I am moderately deaf and my Mother went deaf in her 70’s but I did in my 50’s. Also I’ve noticed sometimes my hearing seems to get louder especially when my SIBO is starting. I have narrow E tubes (can’t remember the name). I’ve looked up autoimmune ear problems and I have all the symptoms, especially fluctuating heating. Wondered if I should have the mri and possibly ask to be referred to the ent hospital in London. To confuse the issue I’m also starting antibiotics for SIBO & a uti. As I’m sure some of you know you go dizzy with that. I know one thing, it’s rather frustrating as I’ve bought private hearing aids to find I’m still having problems. Any advise would be welcome!