The long and winding road...

So here I am, after several months, and still waiting for a confirmed diagnosis and - after that - a commitment to a CI if that is the best solution.

On Friday I am getting a new hearing aid since the one I have, I am told, is 'totally inappropriate for you' (thanks!) and on 19th March I am having....a grommet inserted. Yes, after an initial diagnosis of barotrauma in August was rejected, we've been going toward the CI highway, only to pull back over to the lane marked for the middle ear pressure 'B' road.

Meanwhile, I am gearing muyself up to - at some point - get on with a CI if all else fails. I have to admit that the pressure waves in the ear that were, until very recently, slight affairs and happened once a week (if that) have now become MUCH more frequent (40-50 a day), the shape of the ear canal has changed and other slight changes consistent with pressure effects seem to suggest that investigating it makes sense. But now? After all this time?

On a positive note, my University has been very helpful in trying to accommodate my new found disability. I'll be using an FM receiver device for use with an input shoe. In addition, I'll get speech-writing assistance (no, not as in George Stephanopolous or Alistair Campbell) and continued support from colleagues. Up to me, then, to ensure that I keep delivering the goods.