I have had a mild case of tinnitus since my allergies started a month ago. This is the first time I have ever been affected by it in a consistent fashion. I think it may be wax build-up in combination with sinus and/or mucus, so I would like to do an ear irrigation.

However, it is NOT recommended to do such an irrigation if I may have a perforated ear drum. I do not have health insurance and was wondering if there was a test I could perform at home to confirm that it is indeed NOT a perforated eardrum, so that I may continue with the irrigation.

The tinnitus symptoms take the form of a faint white-noise in the upper registers. There has been head pressure behind the ears, and a more-than-usual onset of temporary tinnitus when an actual pitch is induced but goes away. To my knowledge, it is not the result of any trauma or of listening to loud music, and seemed to coincide with the allergies/cold I was getting. I have had slight pain in my ears only about two or three times for a few seconds, and mild vertigo only twice and briefly.

I have also considered that I may have an ear infection, but again the pain is hardly existent and there are no fluids or any other symptoms besides the tinnitus alone.

Given these symptoms, what are the chances that this is a perforated ear drum? How can I test for one at home?

Thanks for the help-

James