Any of these types of illnesses require a careful and sometimes long process of being followed by a doctor who will observe, listen to and record your symptoms.
And of course, it is hard, if not impossible, to,get good treatment without the proper diagnosis. You might have regular TRigeminal Neuralgia, as many people with TN, also have ear pain. GN, sounds like a possibility too. It is important that you try to get your insurance situation straightened out. Usually, the meds are started on a low dosage and worked upward. Also, a med like Elavil might be a good choice to add to the Gabapentin. Many people with these health problems get some relief from it and it is also an antidepressant.

Does heat, like from a heating bad help you at all? Is your ear fine and then suddenly you have bad pain?

The surgeries for TN or GN are major surgeries. No way would any doctor even discuss this without first getting a handle on your dx, testing and trying various medications. You might need another MRI.

Again, getting your health insurance straightened out is very important.

Consider contacting the Facial Pain Association inGainesville, Florida for some more ideas.

If you haven't done so already, please check out the website www.livingwithtn.org