Cochlear implant surgery!

Hi, my name is Kim. I have significant hearing loss and so I am fundraising in order to undergo cochlear implant surgery.

In 2016, a nasty growth called a cholesteatoma was found in the base of my skull. Over the next few years, the cholestatoma was monitored. It slowly expanded, eroding the internal structure of my right ear canal and placing a lot of painful pressure on the surrounding area. As a result, my hearing rapidly declined. By 2020, it had grown to a dangerous size. It was decided that surgical intervention was required to remove the cholesteatoma.

During the operation, my skull was cut open & the growth was removed. Although I was so happy to be rid of the cholesteatoma, I did lose what little hearing was left in my right ear during the process.

A year later, I underwent another surgery in an attempt to restore some of the hearing I’d lost. Unfortunately this didn’t go as planned as there was too much scar tissue in the area to make any difference. So, over the years I’ve attempted to adjust.

Deafness is an invisible disability. Although it’s not obvious on the outside, everyday can be a struggle. I used to have a thriving social life, but these days I often avoid or keep social situations to a minimum. This is due to the anxiety leading up to socialising and exhaustion felt after trying to follow and keep up with conversation. I get self-conscious that I’m talking too loudly or mispronouncing words. I worry that I’m misunderstanding what others are saying or missing important details. And all of this whilst grappling with ear pain, tinnitus & vertigo on the daily.

It is extremely isolating and is taxing on my mental health.

BUT, this isn’t a sob story.

BECAUSE I JUST FOUND OUT THAT I QUALIFY FOR A COCHLEAR IMPLANT!

A cochlear implant simulation was tested on me to see if I’d be a good candidate to get the device. It worked! The experience was so exciting and overwhelming that I cried! I knew I had to book the surgery ASAP. I am beyond eager to undergo this procedure. The only obstacle is the cost.

Over the years, I have had to spend thousands upon thousands on the ongoing ear surgeries, specialist appointments, MRIs and medication.

As a freelancer who doesn’t get any sick leave, these expenses can be a huge burden. At a time when I should be recuperating and relaxing post surgery, I have felt stressed and pressured to rush back into work so that I don’t struggle financially.

In order to avoid stress this time around, I’m attempting to prepare myself financially before my surgery in November so that I can not only cover the cost of the procedure, anaesthetist fee, specialist appointments, ongoing scans and medication but also so that I can afford to take some time off to heal properly.

Any proceeds that exceed my goal will be donated to The Shepherd Centre. The Shepherd Centre is a world-leading, child-safe NDIS service provider and not-for-profit organisation that specialises in helping children with hearing loss learn to listen and speak.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and I appreciate any help.