My sympathies as I've had that for years - originally from the noise of a single gunshot. I was really worried about it to begin with but you can learn to ignore it over time and it hardly ever bothers me now. If you have an infection it may just be a temporary thing that will improve with medication and time. Some things do set it off - I don't like taking ibuprofen for example as it makes the noise worse for a couple of days. The hearing loss is equally frustrating - I have 25% loss in my left ear and it's gradually getting worse with time.

Loud noise is a problem as I end up with distorted hearing for a day or two and ear plugs are a must on a bike now. That must be the same sort of feeling you're getting about damaging your ears. I back right off when I get that as I also have the feeling that some (more) damage is being done. Usually a couple of days is enough for the worst to pass and I can ride with ear plugs.

The foam ones that you roll up are awkward to use but if you can get them into the ear tube rather than shoved in there somewhere they are the best I've used. Fitted properly you'll hardly hear anything at all and I have no problems riding a bike.

If this has come to you recently it must be very upsetting but there is light at the end of the tunnel. It will improve even if it doesn't go completely and you do adjust to it. Most definately see a medic just to check there isnt anything underlying it but the reality is that not much can be done. I'm still having checks on mine nearly ten yrs on (MRI a few weeks ago and an appointment with the ear specialist in 3/4 days time) but while the hearing loss is occasionally annoying most of the time my brain ignores it and I don't notice it much.

Good luck as this is not a nice thing to happen - and it's probably compounded by being stuck in Dakhla (not my favourite town)