Joey Mechelle ~
As always, I'm sorry to learn of another AN diagnosis and the impact that has on the recipient (you). However, I'm glad you've been able to maintain a positive attitude so far but of course your unilateral hearing loss is going to be discouraging. You've enjoyed normal hearing all of your life and now it's being severely compromised - and you can't stop it. Not fun. I was (sardonically) 'fortunate' to have my growing AN (unknown to me at the time) very slowly compromise my ability to hear in my left ear so when I finally saw a doctor, had my MRI and was diagnosed, my bilateral hearing was effectively gone and I had, (almost unconsciously) adapted to that reality. So, when I woke up from AN debulking surgery and couldn't hear in my left ear, it was of no real consequence. Still, I miss having 'normal' hearing and can understand why losing it is upsetting you. In my non-professional opinion, your angst is perfectly normal - and it will pass. Having the BAHA, although not a panacea for the hearing loss, will be a huge help to you as you recover from the surgery and resume your life. Many of our members can attest to this. I chose not to go the BAHA route because I didn't feel I needed it. I'm retired and, as I noted, have adjusted quite well well to being SSD (Single Side Deaf). However, you have a busy life with many obligations and so, the BAHA is very likely the best choice for you at this time. I trust that you'll get through this experience just fine. Feel free to use us as a resource, sounding board or just a place to come where folks will understand what you're going through because most of them, in some respect, have had a similar experience. I'm one - and there is an abundance of folks here that want to help and support you as you go through your 'AN experience'. Feel free to call on us whenever you feel it necessary. We'll respond. I promise.
Jim
