I started learning when I was 8, got to grade 7, but could never get the knack of reading music, so I play by ear completly, I learnt my exam pieces off a tape and with guidance from my tutor, I always wanted to play like this...
YouTube - Dr. John plays 'The Mess Around'
which I do now in my 12 piece Soul & Blues band :-)
I'm really lucky to have been given opportunity to learn by my folks - I can't thank them enough!
I recommend you should give it a go, try playing along to songs on the radio / CDs, see if you can pick out melodies, chords etc...
GOOD LUCK!