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Manama Singer Paul Richardson is setting his sights on making his solo debut with the choir after undergoing revolutionary surgery that will not just restore his hearing but also boost his confidence.
He was recommended to meet with consultant rhinologist and facial plastic surgeon, ear, nose and throat specialist and medical director of Awali Hospital, Dr Hiba Al Reefy, who then swiftly referred him to consultant otologist and auditory implant surgeon Jeremy Lavy in London.
Following a consultation and audiometry test, Paul discovered that the surgery he had on his ‘stone deaf’ left ear years ago had since been revolutionised.
“The process involves making a small opening in the footplate of the stapes and using a laser,” he explained. “Then a teflon piston-type prosthesis is inserted to reconstruct the defective stapes. My surgery is scheduled on July 5 at One Wellbeck Clinic in London.
“The benefits are that hearing levels occurs in 99 per cent with 94pc achieving excellent results. There is less than 1pc risk of total hearing loss in the operated ear. In successful surgery, the hearing quality is reported to be better than with a hearing aid. There is also a chance that terribe tinnitus I suffer from may no longer be apparent or at least may be decreased.”
He is also relieved to find out that he will be able to fly back within two weeks after recovering from surgery.
“It is remarkable,” Paul shared. “I should be able to hear again and can swiftly return to my job in Bahrain. My hope is that I will have improved communication ability and increased self-esteem with even more confidence than the high levels I have forced myself to develop to combat the challenge of hearing loss. I also hope to become more accomplished at singing and feel confident enough to request solo parts on an occasional basis.”
He advises others that are hard of hearing to not become reclusive.
“Go out there and challenge yourself to remain an important part of society,” he added. “As deaf people, we have to acknowledge and accept that we all have our crosses to bear. It is important to embrace deafness as a part of who you are and always do your utmost to manage your situation and insecurities. Do not let this condition control your life, take control and create a life worth living.”
