Thanks Broomstick. The person who ruptured his eardrum did go to the doctor who confirmed the eardrum was truly ruptured. He has many health problems, such as juvenile diabetes which he was somewhat neglecting back then. That was several years ago, and now he is hesitant to fly anymore.
So from most of the replies am I to assume that his eardrum probably did heal itself and that his decision to fly is reliant on his willingness to face his fear of excruciating ear pain?