I've had at least 3 mastoidectomies, 4 tympaniplasties, the ossicles in my right ear are gone, and I wear a BAHA. 2 weeks ago I met my newest Specialist, who told me that a combination of tiny ear canal and where the drainage sits in my mastoid cavity they are cleaning "blind". He gave me two surgical options: canal enlargement--so they can keep cleaning the drainage on a regular basis OR mastoid obliteration.
Looking for experiences of either or both. I live in Canada, and my wait time for either one is about the same, 12-18 months from the time a decision is made.
I too was given the canal wall down (cleaning) or mastoid obliteration choice. I chose the mastoid obliteration option as my hearing had gone in the affected ear. I had this op' almost two years ago and have had no problems since.
My eustachian tube was plugged, my mastoid, ossicles & ear canal removed and the void filled with tummy fat from my belly. Externally my ear looks completely normal, I have another belly button where my ear canal once was. I can now lead a normal life and go swimming without having to worry about keeping my ear dry. I was given the option of an anchor hearing aid to conduct sound to my good ear but am still considering whether I really need it.
It's now been about 3 years since my mastoid obliteration.
I do have tinnitus in this ear but this was caused before my obliteration by my initial cholesteatoma about ten years ago which destroyed all my hearing in this ear. I never really notice the tinnitus unless I think about it - I guess I've become accustomed to it.
This ear is fine now despite not doing much. After 2 annual MRI's and follow up discussions with my specialist he has finally discharged me saying all is clear and there's next to no chance of cholesteatoma ever coming back in it.