My name is a number within the healthcare system. I am amongst the countless sufferers of Cholesteatoma, a disorder that deteriorates our hearing, but remains overlooked by medical authorities. I stand here, unable to hear in my right ear due to waiting times and delay in surgery due to the disease being classified as "non-urgent" unless it’s too late. 

My referral, consultations & surgery were on a long waiting time, leading to unprecedented growth of the disease, ultimately eroding my hearing bones. Upon this earth, I am not alone. Thousands of individuals battling Cholesteatoma share a similar tale. We unite in a Facebook community, sharing pain, fear, and frustration. Our collective voices shout, demanding this to change: Cholesteatoma should not be considered “non-urgent" at its early stages, It should be treated as emergency surgery at every stage. 
The sooner the disease is removed, at the very early stages, the rate of reoccurrence lowers and decreases the risk of any long lasting damage. 

Cholesteatoma is far from harmless. It can lead to complications such as brain abscesses and meningitis. If left untreated, it can cause permanent hearing loss. It isn't just about a disease; it's about living a life with full senses, about retaining our ability to communicate, to listen, to belong.

This disease also frequently goes undiagnosed, with many suffering for years before receiving proper medical attention. People are wanting more knowledge and awareness surrounding Cholesteatoma, ensuring that no one is left in the dark without answers and about the severity of this condition. Doctors, surgeons, and all healthcare providers must take new and persistent symptoms seriously, as the sufferers are the ones who truly understand what is happening within their own bodies. It is imperative that medical professionals listen to all concerns, rather than dismissing them until the irreversible damage has already occurred.

Classifying Cholesteatoma as an emergency surgery at every stage could shave months off of the average lengthy waiting time that affects many and causes extreme anxiety in many patients.  
By doing so, we could potentially save the hearing of hundreds of people with thousands who are estimated to deal with this condition annually.

We urge the health authorities to not only hear us but also listen. Recognise Cholesteatoma as an emergency surgery. With urgent referrals and consultations too.
Save countless individuals from a silent world!
Sign this petition and stand with us in our fight to make Cholesteatoma an emergency matter in medical practice at all stages of the disease.