Patient Testimonial: Cristobal – Cholesteatoma
Cristobal from Ventura, California was diagnosed with Cholesteatoma. Cholesteatoma is a skin cyst that begins at the margin of the eardrum and invades the middle ear and mastoid (arrow). This is an infection that deteriorates the ear drum which results in a decreased hearing loss. Cristobal thought he would never recover his hearing. Symptoms have occurred and grown since he was about 4-years old. He experienced consistent ear pain and bleeding. Cristobal found it difficult to receive proper care due to high medical bills.
Cristobal did seek a diagnosis and help from other physicians but felt helpless. Dr. Voelker who performed his surgery helped him correct his hearing. Alternative options were given to Cristobal, but he had a lot of faith and confidence in Dr. Voelker’s abilities to restore his hearing. Dr. Voelker and her team had a plan which included 2 surgeries. The first surgery consisted of removing the cyst in the ear. The second surgery consisted of reconstructing the hearing with prosthetic ear bones.
Before his surgery he could not hear from the left ear.
He says, “I would always have to turn my head to hear with the right… Before I would never be vocal, I would stay quiet because I was worried people weren’t going to hear me or I’m not going to hear them.”
Now, after 2 surgeries, he has no problems hearing in his left ear.
When asked in one word, describe your experience. Cristobal responds with,
“Perfect! There are no problems at all with them. They get straight to work and have everything planned out.”
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Learn more about Cristobal’s story by listening to his Patient Testimonial.
