- Cholesteatoma
- Interviews
Debbie's interview
How did all start?
Experienced ear infections all my life. I’m 2006 I flew to NY and had a slight cold. The flight burst me ear drum and I had a full feeling with popped ears for years. GPs dismissed my pain and discomfort until I changed surgeries and new GP spotted something wrong with my ear drum in 2013. I finally had an answer and got diagnosed (I saw a private surgeon the next day as I couldn’t wait) and for the first time I felt that I was being listened to and taken seriously.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Seven years of GP appointments and being fobbed off that there was nothing wrong!!
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Five surgeries. The best thing was putting in a long term ventilation tube.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
The ventilation tube.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Hearing aid isn’t affective as it causes moisture which then causes infections.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Can’t hear when in big groups. Don’t go out as much as I don’t like being in noisy environments. When I do go out I say I can’t hear well and they do give me a good seat on restaurants! Family and friends sympathetic to a point but don’t really understand
What things have you stopped doing?
Going out as much. Swimming. Putting head under water.
What do you think about the future?
I am positive. I know my hearing won’t return but I am coping.
