A good friend's son took a bad hop to the ear this weekend in a HS game. The ER diagnosed the injury as a perferated ear drum, but the doctor has now a more serious and permanant outlook of "structural damage" and permanant hearing loss in the ear. The young man has no hearing what so ever in the injured ear and is experiencing dizziness and lack of equilibrium. A second MRI was taken today and we are all waiting results.
My question is if anyone has been involved with this type of injury and what experience can you share? Is there a specialist that anyone can recommend?
Thank you for any information.

I don't have anything to share but prayers. What a freaky play. Wow. I hope your friend's hearing is restored very quickly and completely. Let us know.

I first saw this kind of injury in the CWS a few years ago. Pitcher took a comeback, tossed to first for the out, then collapsed on the mound. It affected his vision, too. As I recall, it took quite some time, but he did recover.
I think a neurologist would be the first priority. Check at UT San Antonio Health Science Center, UT Southwestern in Dallas, & Baylor Med Center in Houston or Texas Neurology.org for recommendations.
Being in Shiner, San Antonio area may be your best bet. Scott & White in Temple another choice.
Good luck!

Update and renewed request for any information and experiences. The second MRI shows no broken bones, and through medication the fluid level in the ear is reduced. Yesterday, one week after the injury, the boy was able to go toe to toe for 2 steps, which is a great improvement. There is only so much the MRI can show in the ear area, so "structural damage" is still a possiblilty. There is still no hearing in the ear.
The kid is a freshman, has played select ball since the boys were 9, and plays ss for a 5A HS team.
This is all new ground for this kids support group and any information would be appreciated.