I thought I would post a short update for anyone reading this. The ability to understand what people are saying is (I think) getting worse. One of the people I work with asked me "When are you getting this surgery done!?" I work with customers who all seem to whisper. I think I've learned how to read lips pretty well because they are much less understandable when I can't see their lips move. ;-)
Which I think is some sort of hint that they (at least) would like it fixed. My insurance plan is rather difficult to understand but the costs can still have a considerable out of pocket cost. I'm currently trying to figure out what it will cost and any ways I can reduce them.
Hello and hope you are doing well.
Don’t worry the prognosis is very good with this surgery. Stapedial surgery is able to obtain excellent hearing results in the long-term in most otosclerotic patients. It does restore hearing, though there may not be a complete correction of the hearing loss. Discuss this with your doctor, based on which you can decide.
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
Thanks Dr Anitha. I looked at the notes and it was 20dB of loss so thats right at the cusp. If I can ask another question? How much hearing improvement can you expert (Typically) and is does this work long term or? - Thanks
Hello and hope you are doing well.
Otosclerosis usually affects bilaterally. Indications for surgical management of otosclerosis include conductive hearing loss with a greater than 20 dB air-bone gap. Hearing aids are helpful below this level. And patients should have the ability to tolerate the procedure in supine position. Each ear is operated on separately.
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.