Hearing Problem: is there anything to be done?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I seem to have an issue with my right ear. Irony of ironies, as a rock guitarist, I have played and heard some LOUD guitar, but never had any lasting damage - my tests always came back great (I also never set high volumes with head phones on and always rest my ears between bouts of volume - I am careful).

But I was wrestling with my 5-year-old daughter about 6 months ago and when her face was close to my right ear, she squeeled with glee - really LOUD and PIERCING. I immediately felt sharp pain and pushed her away (gently!). Since then, I notice a persistent difference - it’s like my right ear is stuffed up a little bit, with not as much acuity as before. And I have a slight sensation of there being a little pressure within the ear.

I worry about it, but assume that there is nothing I can do - how do you repair something like that?

So Dopers - any experience with something like this? I appreciate any solid advice and if you have any medical-site cites or anything, that would be great!

2

I have something like this, only it’s my left ear, and I’m going to get it checked out, at least to find out if it’s anything they can do anything about. You never know. It can’t hurt to get your hearing checked out.

3

You could have a pierced eardrum. Obligatory advice: you need to see a doctor. (S)he can tell just by peeking in your ear if you have a hole in there. It’s important to do this now to prevent further hearing loss/damage. Also, I would avoid getting water in your ear in the meantime because it could cause an infection which would further complicate things.

4

Good advice. I have been to a doctor since the event for other reasons; at one point he looked into my ear (for some stupid reason I had forgotten to bring up the problem - too focused on my sinus infection, I guess). Anyway, no comments on pierced eardrums or anything.

My fundamental question is this: If my daughter’s shriek damaged something mechanical in my ear, is there anything to be done? I mean, that’s it - it either heals on its own or stays the same or slowly deteriorates, right? You can extrapolate this to any mechanical damage to an ear…not just mine.

Any other Dopers have experience with this type of thing? Doctor Dopers - have you encountered this? And yes, this is a big-time arms’ length topic - I am just looking for general information and will take what I can get! I know you can’t comment specifically.

Thanks!