Update.
Yes, it’s been a while since my last appointment in August (I have been busy with my teaching and other ministers, to be able to sit and reflectively write an update). There were/are good and bad outcomes.
From the results of the MRI & CT Scans, my own assumptions were correct, my Inner-Ear Otosclerosis is still getting worse.
Although, she (the ENT) seemed positive about the fact that there is still some air space in the cochlear for the probe to work. However, it’s getting it in there is the major problem. She was really confident the cochlear implant would work and improve some hearing functionality, IF the operation was successful, and I told her, through my interaction on this forum, I was committed to whatever it took to make it work.
However…
The whole premise of success is based on the success of drilling a hole in the ear to get the probe in (there is no alternative, because the front of the cochlear had completely sealed over), and this would be a non-reversible operation. That meant if the initial operation failed, it would completely damage that ear forever. This new totally shattered my confidence.
I told her, if she was not 100% certain of success, it wasn’t going to happen. She said she was going to Melbourne to consult with the peer ENT group @ Royal Melbourne and get back to me.
However, I have personally decided to not go a head with the CI and to continue on my current trajectory without cochlear. I’m estimating, I have about 5-10 years before I am completely DEAF. So far I am OK with this, we will push the boundaries of all available technologies for as long as I can.