AboutDina Q Goldin, Ph.D. Expertise Information and advice for Acoustic Neuroma patients who would like honest patient-to-patient interaction about their symptoms or about treatments and related medical procedures. If you are unsure if your experience is "normal", or are wondering whether your information is complete, feel free to ask.
Experience I am an Acoustic Neuroma patient and the founding editor
of the Acoustic Neuroma Patient Archive (http://www.ANarchive.org).
Expert: Dina Q Goldin, Ph.D. Date: 7/10/2008 Subject: right ear loss of hearing and fullness
Question Hi Dr Goldin
I am a 56 year-old woman with a history of gradual hearing loss and tinnitis in the right ear. I originally thought that the hearing loss was due to one incident when I was scuba diving and had problems equalizing the pressure in that ear. However, I recently saw an ENT who said that the onset (years later) and the gradual nature of the hearing loss were not consistent with that incident. I can barely hear out of that ear now. I went to him because in addition to the loss of hearing and tinnitis, I recently developed a feeling of fullness in that ear along with a pulsatile tinnitis. He recommended antihistamines, and then steroids; neither of which made the fullness go away. I am scheduled for an audiogram "if I want to be checked out further" with no follow-up unless I want to. Frankly, I am concerned: he ordered a comprehensive audiological evaluation, tympanometry and acoustic reflex hearing, and oto acoustic emission evaluation. What will these tests reveal, and should I have further followup....and importantly, is an acoustic neuroma a possibility? Thanks
Answer Your symptoms are classic for an acoustic neuroma. Has a BSER test (BrainStem Evoked Response) been scheduled? If not, and if the other tests do not reveal a problem, please make sure to schedule this one. It's easy, inexpensive, and will indicate the presence of an Acoustic Neuroma if it's there. Then an MRI with gadolinium (a contrasting agent) will be necessary to determine exactly where and how large it is, which will help the doctors to decide on the best course of treatment.
Two things to keep in mind if the AN is diagnosed: (1) ANs are benign and grow slowly, so there is no need to panic or take immediate action; (2) making an informed treatment decision is crucial for AN patients to minimize your chance of ending up with lifelong complications; (3) make sure to consult with BOTH surgeons and radiosurgeons before deciding which option is better for you.
