That's always frustrating when doctors do not give us answers! I'm glad it wasn't strep but they say they see NOTHING? I looked at your photo and are you talking about the hazy white area of the bubbly watery area? Either way, one thing I think of is perhaps a tonsil stone? https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tonsil-stones-tonsilloliths-treatment-and-prevention#1 You definitely have the symptoms of it with ear pain, etc. Check out that article and see what you think?