What Causes Ear Infections Along With Vertigo And Headaches?

I have been having ear infections on and off for three years. I have been through several ear drum perforations, canal infections, and even vestibular neuritis last October (2016). I just got home from a primary doctor who said I have some kind of bacterial ear infection, and my ear drum is dark, not red. What does a dark eardrum mean? Also, I have developed an abscess on the outside of the worse ear which seems to grow everyday (even though I only had it for a week or so). I have also had minor tonsillitis multiple times in the past winter and current swollen tonsils (which have been for like a month) and my throat is filled with nasal fluid. I am being recommended to an ENT but does any doctor have any advice or suggestions? The pain is very bad and being a musician (playing trombone) it hurts even worse... I have also been experiencing vertigo, headaches, and temporary deafness around loud noises (anything from loud talking to being in band). This has been going on for at least a month. Can anyone tell me what may be going on? Or especially what dark eardrums mean? Thanks