The cost was high. Not only was I hospitalised for a week with a bleeding duodenal ulcer but somewhere in the middle of that I suffered a catastrophic inner ear hearing loss, possibly viral. The result; I am now deaf beyond the reach of hearing aids, I can hear nothing. I have been referred for cochlear implants which offer a modest hope of some hearing but right now, if you want to communicate with me you need to write it down. I’ve found reasonable utility from some of the voice recognition software on phones and tablets but mostly it is pen and paper.
This fairly clearly means I will not be going to writing groups and cons or presenting quizzes. So if this is where you know me from than this is why I’m not around.
martinowton 
Damn, and bugger, Martin, that is a tough thing to endure indeed. My profound sympathies. Do let me know if there is anything Gaie and I can do in any way.
So sorry, Martin.
How dreadful – hope the implants give you speedy relief.
Ouch! That’s not good. Hope things improve soon.
I hope all of this resolves, Martin, and your eventual recovery is a complete one.
Horrid, fingers crossed for implants that are positively SF!