Hi all and thank you to anyone who reads my post.
After having a series of operations in my early 30’s to remove cholesteatoma’s in my left ear, I have just just been diagnosed with a cholesteatoma in my right ear.
As I had lost all my hearing and balance in my left ear, the last operation I had was a blind sac closure to seal it up and prevent a cholesteatoma ever reoccurring.
At the age of 52, I’m now waiting to find out what surgery will be done on my right ear, but I imagine it will be similar to what I’ve had in the past.
The cholesteatoma in my right ear was discovered by a highly experienced ENT doctor after I experienced some deafness in my right ear.
My concerns are that there is now a possibility that I may lose what little hearing I have left after the procedure.
Also, given my age, and the fact I have a mild heart condition (palpitations detected several years ago), surgery will be more risky.
I have read other peoples experiences about cochlea implants, but I’m really put off by them so don’t really want to consider that if the worst happens.
Does anyone know what support is available for people with complete or near complete deafness and at work?
I did speak to the RNID last year, but as soon as I told them I was a civil servant, they lost interest as I wasn’t entitled to applying for a grant from the government for a workplace adjustment assessment, but had to ask my employer who’s done nothing at all to help me since asking.
I’d also be interested in hearing from anyone who’s had a similar experience of getting this nasty condition in both ears and how they’ve dealt with it.
Thank you 