An audiologist performed a second hearing test, confirming that the ear nerve is functioning properly but my hearing loss has increased. I'm down to nearly 50% loss across the board, and 90% loss in upper ranges.
Next my ear was checked out via microscope. What was a cholesteatoma growth behind my ear drum has now spread and pushed its way over and down through the top of my ear canal, creating a cyst in my outer ear. This change has occurred in just the last six weeks, which means surgery needs to happen as soon as possible to prevent further growth.
Unfortunately, the doctor's schedule us booked out eight more weeks. I've been put on the writing list for cancelations, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for an earlier date.
The good news is that the recovery time is shorter than I expected. With a busy schedule of events already on my calendar for September and October, I've been worried about how I could shuffle things. Luckily I'll only be down for about five days I stead of the two weeks I expected.
The surgeon also said that he's confident he can restore most of my hearing with plastic implants to replace/repair any inner ear bones that have been damaged. Because of this information, and inspire of the rest, I'm feeling better after my appointment.
The next few weeks will still be a struggle, both managing symptoms and keeping up on my schedule. Thankfully everyone I'm working with has been extremely supportive, so I'm sure things will fall together smoothly.
Let the count down begin...
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