I have my fingers crossed that the vet can have a good look and rule out any foreign bodies - poor boy, whatever is going on it must be uncomfortable
Have you ever done any ttouch? If not, I would look it up. I have had some success in the past doing gentle ttouch around Brodie's legs and paws, and she will now often let me handle her paws (they are incredibly sensitive). You could start around his head and neck and gradually move towards his ears when he is comfortable for you to do so.