HEARING CARE
My name is Eileen, I was born
in 1940, and have had ear
problems since I was three
years old. Although memories
of those early years are vague,
I do remember vividly suffering
frequently from earache, getting
up in the night in pain, and Mum
putting Peroxide in my ears; a
procedure I hated. There was
no National Health Service then,
only frequent trips to the Clinic.
Growing up I had numerous ear
infections which eventually led
to perforations in the eardrums.
When I was thirty-six I went into
hospital for a routine skin graft over
the perforations to see if it would
prevent the infections reoccurring.
However, when operating they
discovered that my right Mastoid
was heavily
diseased.
As this could
have led to
an abscess
on my brain
the surgeon
removed most of
the Mastoid bone;
a procedure, I was
told after the operation,
that saved my life.
That was forty-three years ago,
and although I get the occasional
infections, the earaches are
now few and far between. I also
continue to go to the local ENT
clinic for regular checkups.
Although the Mastoidectomy
resulted in hearing loss, this has
been helped with hearing aids.
Because the hearing is now quite
impaired I need more-powerful
hearing aids than most people,
and fi nd that not every device is
suitable for me. Over the years I
have also come to realised that not
all Audiologists are as dedicated
as some in their profession.
I have known Mrs. Herrod in a
professional capacity for many years
now, travelling to see her at various
locations. She is kind, caring,
understanding, and always listens
to what you tell her, treating you as
an individual every time. Because
of my hearing loss, the fi rst visit
when fi tting new aids is never the
last, and Mrs. Herrod’s patience and
professionalism will not be
satisfi ed until I too
am happy with
the result.