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).
Question Hi there -- I'm glad to have found you. Here is my situation:
Beginning in december, I started noticing a fullness feeling in my ear, a little achyish, but mostly just hard to hear clearly. I went to the doc and they said it didn't look like an infection, didn't see fluid, probably allergies -- did 2 mos of decongestants with no change. Went back, they said the same and gave me nasal spray (and a referral to a hearing test "if I wanted"). Well, finally, as my hearing seemed to be worse and it definitely wasn't getting better (the fullness feeling now constant)... I went in for the hearing test. Audiologist found mild/moderate hearing loss in my left ear (the one that has been bugging me)... I'm not totally clear on the specifics, but it is "high frequency" hearing loss (something about 8kz dip AD with normal tmpys, between 30-40 at 6 and 8 khz)... the audiologist, I think b/c I had mentioned a history of hearing loss in my family (but neglected to say it was after 60 yrs, and I am 32!) was rather non-chalant -- "sometimes one ear starts to go" -- and recommended I come in for another hearing test in 6 mos to "see if it gets worse." Well, I'm not cool with that, so I went back to my gp and insisted on a referral to an ENT. I have an appointment in two weeks. I also got a referral to a TMJ specialist b/c I have clicking in the joint on that ear, and there was some question as to the poss. that TMJ could have to do with the weird feeling (though likely not with the hearing loss??). I would love your opinion on what to do next -- primarly, what tests to make sure get done, and whether the ENT is the right first step here. I so appreciate this!! Liz
Answer Hi Liz,
It certainly does not sound like normal hearing loss, because it is one-sided and you are too young. There is a chance that you have Acoustic Neuroma, or some other tumor (hopefully benign) on the left side that is interfering with your hearing. The ENT visit is a good step. The best test for a tumor is MRI, and it is likely that the ENT will agree to refer you for one. However, this test tends to be expensive and your ENT might think there is not enough reason to do it. In that case, insist on a BSER (aka ABR) -- Auditory brain stem evoked response test. It's an easy and inexpensive test that will determine if the hearing loss is "normal" or if an MRI test is warranted. Should something be found with MRI, make sure you are referred to both types of specialists who treat such tumors, a surgeon and a radiosurgeon. Also, look for specialists who have a lot of experience with these particular tumors, and treat at least 50 of them every year.
