Acoustic Neuroma
Discussion
Anybody have any experience of these?
I’ve had hearing problems in my right ear for the last couple of weeks. Initially Dr thought it was an infection so had 5 days antibiotics but no real improvement. Been to see Dr again today and he seems to think it may be an Acoustic Neuroma, i’ve been referred for an “urgent” MRI, but the appointment for that is 7 weeks away...
I’ve had hearing problems in my right ear for the last couple of weeks. Initially Dr thought it was an infection so had 5 days antibiotics but no real improvement. Been to see Dr again today and he seems to think it may be an Acoustic Neuroma, i’ve been referred for an “urgent” MRI, but the appointment for that is 7 weeks away...
If your GP can't get you a quick hearing test, just book a free one with Boots. They may refer you back to GP but they can at least show you how much hearing loss you've got, at which frequencies etc. They may try and sell you a hearing aid but there is no obligation.
Alternatively pay to see a private ENT consultant and they will do a hearing test and will at least be able to tell you if it's nerve damage (SSHL) or something less permanent.
Normally you can tell if it's nerve damage as it feels (and sounds) different to the temporary deafness you get when you have a cold or water in your ear etc. However, could just be wax but assume GP will have had a look inside.
Alternatively pay to see a private ENT consultant and they will do a hearing test and will at least be able to tell you if it's nerve damage (SSHL) or something less permanent.
Normally you can tell if it's nerve damage as it feels (and sounds) different to the temporary deafness you get when you have a cold or water in your ear etc. However, could just be wax but assume GP will have had a look inside.
My wife had (well, still has I guess) an acoustic schwannoma. The symptoms were slight hearing loss but more drastically dizziness, collapsing, horrible migraines and pain.
The tumour is inoperable in the traditional sense as it grows on the nerves, so (in the surgeons words): "I would make you blind or deaf or both". She had gamma knife treatment which is targeted radiation and it stopped the growth.
Here we are fifteen years later and the tumour is still the same size and if fact may be slightly smaller and she doesn't have many of the symptoms -- occasional dizziness but very occasional not enough to effect driving / our life.
The tumour is inoperable in the traditional sense as it grows on the nerves, so (in the surgeons words): "I would make you blind or deaf or both". She had gamma knife treatment which is targeted radiation and it stopped the growth.
Here we are fifteen years later and the tumour is still the same size and if fact may be slightly smaller and she doesn't have many of the symptoms -- occasional dizziness but very occasional not enough to effect driving / our life.
Of all the scans we do for acoustic neuroma (which we treat as routine as it's not urgent compared to, say, malignant growths, hence why you probably have a 7 week wait, although that is a long wait for a routine MRI as well) only a very small percentage are positive. So at this point I wouldn't worry too much.
Have an appointment next week with ENT folks at the hospital as there's a strong likelihood I have one of these.
Reduced hearing and tinnitus in left ear, left hand side of my face keeps going numb, seeing stars.....it's been great fun. Apparently initial action is usually to prescribe some high strength steroids, but having Bipolar means I'm not allowed them as there's a risk of inducing mania.
Anyone else had experience of this? Seems like a condition that's a nuisance but not too much can be done about it.
Reduced hearing and tinnitus in left ear, left hand side of my face keeps going numb, seeing stars.....it's been great fun. Apparently initial action is usually to prescribe some high strength steroids, but having Bipolar means I'm not allowed them as there's a risk of inducing mania.
Anyone else had experience of this? Seems like a condition that's a nuisance but not too much can be done about it.
My mothers had acoustic neuroma for at least the past 20 years, no feeling or hearing on the right side of her face. Now over 80 and fit and active for her age, she’s generally just learn to live with it.
BANA https://www.bana-uk.com/ are the main support group in this country, they are very good.
BANA https://www.bana-uk.com/ are the main support group in this country, they are very good.
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