In-laws took me and the kids out to lunch and then watched the kids so I could go to the ENT. Turns out my left ear has moderate hearing loss, but it's not permanent; once we clear the infection and see the eardrum healed, I should regain my hearing. Now I have to have gunk in my ear for a week, then they'll suck that out and check the drum. Sigh. BUT. Once again, so glad to have access to care, and also grateful it's nothing more serious.