I once had ringing in the ear. It lasted only about a week, but if you've had for longer and are not sleeping on your ear (puts pressure on delicate bones) and got this suddenly a year ago, could it be an allergic reaction to a new shampoo or perfume?...a new food/nutrient/mineral overload? Could the Vicks have a local transdermal effect or could the heat be beneficial to the bones? "Ear candling" offers heat (forum here).