After I had surgery on my ear and it didn't heal correctly, I was referred to Seattle Audiology Associates where I met with Dr. Merrill Hill who helped me to be more optimistic about my problem, telling me that my condition was not necessarily permanent and that there was a good chance that a lot of my hearing could be restored, possibly with reconstructive surgery.
That was inspiring because the last thing a musician/music teacher needs is to be deaf...partially or otherwise! My ear had a tube taken out and then it failed to heal properly - my eardrum now had a hole in it that made it impossible for me to sing or do music anymore. I couldn't even go to shows or movies without horrible pain and tinnitus in my ear.
I was also despondent about the fact that I could not dive in the water anymore either. Being an avid swimmer who loved the water dearly, that was blow to me as well. It seemed like the two things that I loved to do most were suddenly taken away from me abruptly and I was heartbroken. Dr. Hill's kind words gave me hope.
I eventually got a tissue graft on my damaged ear by a good surgeon and most of my hearing has indeed been restored. Dr. Hill gave me a hearing test after my recovery from the surgery indicating that the hearing in my recently repaired ear had improved greatly and he explained exactly where I stood in relation to hearing pitches and how it would relate to my profession. He was very knowledgeable and encouraging about my ear problem.
He had special ear protective devices made for me allowing me to hear on music gigs without damaging my ears. He also had earplugs made for me to wear in the water so I could go swimming again, something that I absolutely love to do.
Dr. Wuth, another doctor there, was great too and he has given me hearing tests in the past as well. If you are suffering with hearing loss and/or tinnitus, Seattle Audiology Associates are a good place to get help with hearing issues. read more
