Pegotty some surgeons would urge that you have the op sooner rather than later as it can be harder to operate once the condition has progressed further.
This certainly is an operation which is available on the nhs as losing your hearing is not exactly a cosmetic problem! You will have to wait up to 6 months for it though. As for private healthcare - it will be a 1 night stay but I have no idea of prices really...perhaps around £2k per op?
I wasn't impressed much by my hearing aid. You need to wear it most of the time to get the benefit and it will take a week or so to hear properly as your brain needs time to adjust to a new sound input. You will need to keep going back as your hearing deteriorates to get the aid adjusted. I'm no expert on hearing aids though - I didn't like them. Digital aids will probably cost at least £1k each and you will need 2 I would expect.
Most young people with this condition opt for the corrective operation rather than hearing aids and I would definitely advise you to consider this option.
Coolmama, I'm glad you have just the one ear affected. With one ear corrected and one still hearing very badly (ie after my first operation) I found locating sounds impossible and could no longer enjoy music as I couldn't hear in stereo. I also couldn't hear anyone approach from the affected side and had some overall hearing problems - some trouble with speech and needing the TV very slightly louder than other people. Do you think this condition has knocked your confidence? This was the biggest thing for me.
If there is anything anyone wants to ask me I would be happy to answer questions about my personal experience
to all fellow sufferers,
mousie xxx