I was first diagnosed with this at 40 years of age. Before I had children I should add. At the time, there was a high risk of becoming permanently deaf, so I learnt to live with it.
I eventually decided that I would enquire about hearing aids ten years ago, as members of my family were complaining I was saying 'pardon' too much!! I got some from Hidden Hearing, and after much tweeking, had these for around 6-7 years. When they started to go wrong, I couldnot afford to go 'private' again, so went to Specsavers.
The aids I got from Specsavers were nothing like the ones I'd had before, and I had to have them changed three times before I found ones that were "comfortable".
Then literally one morning around 8 weeks ago, I woke and couldnot hear anything from my right ear. GP checked for wax, the aids were working ok and after another hearing test @ Specsavers, audiologist said he was going to have to refer me back to GP as the aid was turned up as far as it could be and he suggested the otosclerosis had worsened and the bone had calcified.
So I am now waiting for my GP to refer me to ENT in London.
As I am at the moment, I wouldnt have any second thoughts about having a stapedectomy done as even if I was one of the 5% that lost their hearing altogether, it would make no difference as I cant hear out of my right ear anyway.
Someone has already recommended Mr. Jeremy Lavy to me, so I am going to ask if I can see him.
My questions are:- Is there alot of pain when its been done? Are there any specific instructions (other than the obvious i.e. swimming) that you have to follow post op, how long you are in hospital for and did you have to take any time off work??
I cannot wait to get my hearing sorted out. I love having a good chat on the phone, but cannot do that as I simply cannot hear them. My left ear has deteriorated too, but I can cope with that, but I hope the otosclerosis does not manifest itself in that ear too.
I presume they do not operate on both together again for the obvious reasons of balance etc.
I so so want it all sorted out. I want to be able to hear properly.
If anyone could help me with my questions, I would be very very greatful.
Thanks