Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/12/2008

Question
I have hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness/pressure in the ear, pain in my cheek, temple, jaw on and off. Sensitivity to certain sounds (hyperacusis).   This is all in my left ear.  This started about 6yrs ago.  I had an MRI which showed nothing.  I was put on antidepressants and discharged by the oncologist.   All these symptoms have continued to plague me.  I now have lots of headaches and feel sick a lot of the time.  I have pins and needles in my hands and feet, I feel tremors in my head, these come and go.  I sometimes feel clumsy.  My neck hurts a lot and the pain runs down into my shoulder.  I have suffered from Ulcerative Colitus for the last 30 yrs hence I can never be sure why I feel sick.  I feel more tired recently although I try to keep fit and eat healthy.  I cannot get anyone to find out what is wrong. I believe they think I am suffering from stress.  I am retired, and 60yrs old with no money problems, so I am confused at the diagnosis.  Could I have had an Acoustic Neuroma which did not show up on the MRI scan, they did not use the Gad. dye.
Please help

Answer
Hi Valerie,
The symptoms you describe can be attributed to any number of conditions.  There are several tests needed to rule out acoustic neuroma, but the gold standard is MRI with Gadolinium. Other tests that you should get are a complete audiological evaluation with middle ear function, Otoacoustic emission testing and Auditory Brainstem responses.  These tests will evaluate the entire auditory system.  Do you experience any dizziness? Is it possible that originally the tumor was missed?  I imagine if it were small enough and the dye was not used, it may be possible, but not being a radiologist, I really can't be sure.  What I do not understand is why you were initially placed on antidepressants by the oncologist?  My suggestion is that you return to an otoneurologist and then perhaps a neurologist.  As for stress, this can occur for many reasons, not just from money problems.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology