Hearing 'restoration' post-op

[Russwebb]

Hi Guys,

I have a 30mm AN and I'm probably going to get told that an op is the only way forward (not had consultation yet). It is not pressing on the brain stem but I've lost my hearing for the last 7 years whilst living in France because of it.

(I did detail this on another post).

I just wanted to start a new post here to get everybody's comments and how they have been helped with their hearing being attempted to be 'restored' post-op. I've kind of accepted now that I have complete hearing loss in my right ear. But I was hoping for some light at the end of the tunnel for something that could 'restore' some kind of hearing in it.

So, the options (for those who'd unfortunately lost hearing either before the op or because of the op) :

a) cochlear implant? - or is this not possible as the eardrum also needs repair.

b) bone structure conductance via a hearing aid

c) wireless hearing aid (good ear does the hearing - whilst your bad ear transmits sounds to it via a device).

Any other options?

Probably got the tech wrong so far. So correct me if I'm wrong.

Will be joining BANA. Is this the sort of thing discussed on there?

Thanks.

Russ.

[Kristyll]

Sound may be a.Very interesting issue x

[Steve_04]

Hi Russ,

Options B and C are what I have been given. I have been informed that due to them having to go through my hearing nerve a cochlear implant won’t work.

It would be interesting to know what both options sound like. I do know that around 6 months after my operation they’ll go through with me both of these products and I can test out the wireless transmitted hearing device.

[Russwebb in reply to Steve_04]

Ok that's promising for you. 6 months I suppose to let the nerves settle down. Thanks Steve.

[Steve_04 in reply to Russwebb]

It’s a bit of everything really. They leave it that long to give you a chance to recover and adapt to life without hearing on the one side so that you can make a choice that fits best to your needs. Many chose not to have these devices as they can cope without.

[Russwebb in reply to Steve_04]

Oh right. Maybe they'll give me that choice quicker. Already had total hearing loss for last 7 years.

[Steve_04 in reply to Russwebb]

If you don’t mind me asking, What has it been like with total hearing loss on the one side ? My hearing loss to the one side is moderate to severe with high pitched tinnitus, sometimes it is frustrating with the kids talking and I have to ask them to always repeat themselves but can only imagine it would be a bit harder with just the one side that can hear ?

[Russwebb in reply to Steve_04]

Well yes it has been very difficult in times of gatherings /occasions (when we could)! I have been at my 3 sons weddings, two of which I hosted in France! And everyone I was sitting near knew of my problem and was very understanding towards it. With things like sit down family meals I always want to sit with everyone to my left. Although I miss the little quips that are made and I'm behind a bit with the conversation I was made to feel part of the conversation by people who also adapt to MY problem.A few years back I had a private hearing test (in the UK). The specialist gave me a hearing aid for my right ear. It was marvelous. He gave me an aural test with it by reading out 15 words with the paper covering his mouth so I could not read his lips in any way (not that I can lip read). He then inserted the hearing aid. With a new set of 15 words and the same test conditions I got and recognised every single word. Unfortunately the aid was from £2500. I thought I'd take my chances with an NHS hearing aid first. After enquiring about one with go, then mri was first done... Well the rest is history.

That said after any treatment this time I'll try this private option if the NHS option is not as good. I think for quality of life it is worth it.

Russ.

[Steve_04 in reply to Russwebb]

Sorry to hear about the problems you have had. I can understand where you’re coming from and relate to some of it. I to had the option of one of the top of the range hearing aids at the cost of £2250 from boots. It was fantastic to get the full hearing back, he almost convinced me to cough up, but I wanted to do my research on costs first and see what the NHS results came back as , it was only after me pushing the hospital as I was already waiting from a referal that was made September/ October by my doctor that after a consultation over the phone in December with the ENT doctor that I got a MRI referral. Otherwise I would of been left longer without any diagnosis.

[Kristyll]

There are many options but lots of variables. Once you know wha you are actually needing and feel up to it there is then plenty of support. I hope all goes well. Good luck

[Russwebb in reply to Kristyll]

Thank you, Kristyll.

[faysby]

I have moderate to severe loss and tinnitus in my right ear (I had cyberknife 18 months ago) and am lucky enough to wear the expensive hearing aids you describe in both ears. They are amazing, and I find the boost to my left ear as important as the help to my right ear. Left ear loss is just age/loud music related and would normally be borderline for an aid. They are great for TV too as I can change the settings using my phone to maximise speech clarity. I couldn’t manage without them at work in real life meetings.

[Russwebb in reply to faysby]

Thanks faysby. Reassuring to know.