I had a lab that had one and ear got so swollen we had no choice but to do the surgery my Vet said it can actually cause them problems if you don't it's been a few years ago so I don't remember what would happen so I can't help you there but as long as you have talked to your vet about it I'm sure it will be okay. I do remember them saying that t usually happens when something is bothering their ears like mites or a bad ea infection and they shake their heads and maybe hit the ear on something and that causing the problem.