Do I Need to Visit a Doctor for a Possible Ruptured Eardrum After a Hard Slap on the Ear?

[Matt3342]

Hi everyone,

I suspect I have a ruptured eardrum after my brother slapped my left ear hard. I have the following symptoms after the incident:

- High pitched tinnitus
- My left ear feels full
- Some pain on my ear which I didn't have before

It's been about 7 days and I still have the same symptoms. I heard ruptured eardrums heal on its own after a few weeks so I'm not sure if it warrants a visit to a doctor.

I am asking because my city is on lockdown and I'm a student (21 years old) and it's quite a challenge to see a doctor nowadays. The nearest walk-in clinic is about 45 minutes away by bus. Thank you.

By the way I have had tinnitus on my right ear for about a year; never had it in my left ear before. After this incident my left ear has tinnitus too...

 

[matthew_bk]

Go ASAP. Do you have insurance? Do you have an urgent care? If you're in a college, is there a campus health center?

 

[Matt3342]

Alright. I will probably go visit a doctor first thing tomorrow.

 

[Matt3342]

Go ASAP. Do you have insurance? Do you have an urgent care? If you're in a college, is there a campus health center?

I feel like an idiot waiting 7 days to see a doctor. But to be fair COVID-19 has made it really hard for me to see a doctor.

 

[Brian Newman]

Go get your hearing tested bro. ASAP! If you have hearing loss, ask to get prescribed Prednisone. The effective window for Prednisone to work lessens every day that goes by. I have heard many stories of Prednisone helping reduce hearing damage and tinnitus.

I wish I had known. I shot guns without earplugs and ruined my life. I was only 18. I'm 22 now, and for a while I got my life back which felt amazing. But now I'm struggling again. I don't want to scare you man but don't be stupid like me and hope it will go away. Go see an ENT right away.

 

[matthew_bk]

I feel like an idiot waiting 7 days to see a doctor. But to be fair COVID-19 has made it really hard for me to see a doctor.

I did the same exact thing earlier this month. I wish I had even done virtual health online so I could be directed to next steps - like seeing an ENT faster. If that is an option go for it.