Expert: Dina Q Goldin, Ph.D. - 11/2/2008

Question
I had a sudden hearing loss 2 yrs ago.  Was unable to have an MRI due to history of bilateral stapedecomies, and CT at that time was normal.  I am now experiencing periods of numbness/tingles in the temple area of my face (same side as hearing loss), and today had an episode of blurred/flashy vision that lasted about a half an hour and then resolved.  Should I be examined again, or are these new symptoms nothing to be concerned about?

Answer
It is quite possible that your sudden hearing loss two years ago was caused by an Acoustic Neuroma (benign tumor). CT is not a good scan for finding ANs, you needed an MRI with a contrasting agent (gadolinium). If MRIs are definitely ruled out, there are better tests for determining if AN is present than a CT -- such as BSER (also known as ABER); I am sorry your doctor did not seem to be aware of this.

At this point you should definitely be concerned, because blurry vision is a common symptom of hydrocephalus, increased pressure from fluids in your skull. Hyrdrocephalus is a serious condition that is often associated with larger ANs, and should not be neglected.  

Please find a doctor who is more experienced with ANs than the one you saw two years ago, as well as knowledgeable about proper diagnostic tests for ANs.  If you can't find an expert locally, this is worth traveling for!