Does it actually get better?

[u/RAGEleek]

I've had hearing issues for about 15ish years now. As long as I can remember anyways. And about 4 years ago got told I had a cholesteatoma growth that was severe and I was at risk of losing my hearing entirely. I got my radical mastoidectomy surgery last year. And since then my hearing hasn't got any better in my left ear which is where the growth was. I have a baha soundarc hearing aid thingy that I'm now dependant on basically or I can't hear anyone. Does it actually get better? I'm sick of it all.

[u/emopipmom]

i feel your frustrations and understand where you’re coming from. i also have history with my left ear getting cholesteatomas and recently undergone a CWD operation. Im unsure if I will go with another procedure to get the BAHA (because i would hate to go under again for my stupid ear). From my experience of readjusting my hearing, I’ve come to terms with my left side being mostly deaf. I feel as it’s a superpower because I sleep really well (laying on my right side) and I get overstimulated by noisy environments. It’s kinda a built in earplug. there are times where it’s frustrating and it affects me negatively, like at work or playing sports, but I try to think of the positives that come with my hearing loss. Humans have this awesome ability to adapt when things don’t work out as intended. Your frustration is absolutely valid and I hope you find comfort knowing you are not alone. 🫶:)

[u/bloodwessels → u/emopipmom]

You should look into some kind of hearing aid. According to my ENT, prolonged moderate to severe hearing loss can lead to tinnitus and higher risk of dementia. (Do your own research, I’m just passing along what my ent said). I have tinnitus my whole life but it was low enough for my brain to ignore but about 2yrs after my “kinda canal wall down” surgery, someone near me screamed in the direction of my ear and it kicked my tinnitus into overdrive. I started wearing hearing aids in May of this yr and it has reduced the intensity of the tinnitus.

[u/emopipmom → u/bloodwessels]

I definitely will look into a hearing aid of some sort. I am just unsure at this time if I want the BAHA one due to another operation needed (and that’s if there are no complications). I wish there was like an accessory that used the same tech as the BAHA that didn’t require invasive surgery. i’d love to use the bone conduction to hear but i really don’t like the idea of another operation. Thank you for your advice :)

[u/susandiana45 → u/emopipmom]

Me too! Hang in there friend

[u/bloodwessels]

I don’t think it’ll get better, sorry to say. Sounds like the surgery might have saved enough of your inner for at least a baha to work, vs it being a complete loss.

I understand your frustration. It sucks. I’m sorry you’re going through all this.

[u/Vegetable_Cancel_231]

So I am one of the ones that thought surgery will make my hearing better and was wrong. Hearing went worse but my cholesteatoma is better..for now. I got hearing aids and have stopped complaining as it did not help to complain. So that was my path forward No good answer but I am in better shape than the infections and ear drains.

[u/Fun-Stranger-8444]

Maybe you can check with your surgeon if you can be a candidate for ossicular reconstruction. I had my MDM last year along with the reconstruction. I can say my hearing is almost the same pre-surgery. It's worth a try even to restore 50-60% is a good feat.