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Mastoid Obliteration vs Ear Canal Enlargement

Posted , 4 users are following.

dezm
dezm

I've had at least 3 mastoidectomies, 4 tympaniplasties, the ossicles in my right ear are gone, and I wear a BAHA. 2 weeks ago I met my newest Specialist, who told me that a combination of tiny ear canal and where the drainage sits in my mastoid cavity they are cleaning "blind". He gave me two surgical options: canal enlargement--so they can keep cleaning the drainage on a regular basis OR mastoid obliteration.

Looking for experiences of either or both. I live in Canada, and my wait time for either one is about the same, 12-18 months from the time a decision is made.

Thanks in advance.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • jennifer38372
    jennifer38372 dezm

    Posted

    My son has had many surgeries as well. The last one two yrs ago was mastitis obliteration. So far so good.
  • guest1
    guest1 dezm

    Posted

    Hi dezm,

    I too was given the canal wall down (cleaning) or mastoid obliteration choice.  I chose the mastoid obliteration option as my hearing had gone in the affected ear. I had this op' almost two years ago and have had no problems since. 

    My eustachian tube was plugged, my mastoid, ossicles & ear canal removed and the void filled with tummy fat from my belly.  Externally my ear looks completely normal, I have another belly button where my ear canal once was.  I can now lead a normal life and go swimming without having to worry about keeping my ear dry. I was given the option of an anchor hearing aid to conduct sound to my good ear but am still considering whether I really need it.

    Hope all goes well for you!

    • luis50454
      luis50454 guest1

      Posted

      Hi there.

      I'd like to ask you if you developed tinnitus any time after having your operation done?

      And also I'd like to  know how is your ear doing?

    • guest1
      guest1 luis50454

      Posted

      Hi luis50454,

      It's now been about 3 years since my mastoid obliteration.

      I do have tinnitus in this ear but this was caused before my obliteration by my initial cholesteatoma about ten years ago which destroyed all my hearing in this ear.  I never really notice the tinnitus unless I think about it - I guess I've become accustomed to it.

      This ear is fine now despite not doing much.  After 2 annual MRI's and follow up discussions with my specialist he has finally discharged me saying all is clear and there's next to no chance of cholesteatoma ever coming back in it.

      Hope this helps!

    • luis50454
      luis50454 guest1

      Posted

      Thanks a lot for your reply.

      I had this operation done 2 months ago and due to this I got tinnitus.

      Since you have your ear canal closed. Have you tried any hearing aid to better your hearing? If so Wich one?

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