hello and welcome to HCM, Since you have been slapped and following that you seem to have reduced hearing it is likely that your drum has been injured or torn. It is very common in slaps and people do not realize that a slap can be that harmful. If not treated properly the hole and the hearing loss may become permanent. Having said all this let me assure you that in almost 90 percent of the cases if properly kept dry, the hole will heal without any difficulty and will require no surgery in future so do not worry. Make sure you have an ENT consult and get a full examination of the drum and also perform an audiometry examination so that we can have a good measure in follow up. Keep your ears completely dry and do not put drops, buds or water inside the ear Avoid head bath for the next one week Take a course of antibiotics and antihistamine in consultation with your doctor Go for regular follow up Remember that the healing period is usually two weeks to two months so wait for at least three months before you decide on going for surgery. In the unlikely and rare event that the hole does not heal, a simple surgery can cure your problem take care and get well soon Dr Sriram Nathan