ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: Eddie on February 05, 2016, 09:11:21 am

Title: Hearing - Does it ever come back or get better?
Post by: Eddie on February 05, 2016, 09:11:21 am

I read people's experiences with facial paralysis and how some people are able to have recover or get better over time especially with acupuncture or facial exercises. I'm unable to find anyone with any experiences with hearing restoration or progress. Has anyone ever had their hearing restored/improve over time? My Dr. said all my nerves were saved, however; i've lost 50% hearing in my AN ear, will this ever improve?
Title: Re: Hearing - Does it ever come back or get better?
Post by: arizonajack on February 05, 2016, 12:07:21 pm
That all your nerves were saved only means that they weren't sliced or damaged during the surgery. However, that you lost some hearing means that the AN, itself, damaged the acoustic nerve and the odds of that nerve recovering are slim. If I were a betting man I'd bet that you were destined to lose more of the hearing on the AN side in the future. I think there are one or two members who have experienced somewhat favorable hearing retention. Watch this space for their responses.

Title: Re: Hearing - Does it ever come back or get better?
Post by: SueLL on February 09, 2016, 08:21:28 pm
Hi Eddie - I have visited several neurologists and audiologists trying to relieve my postGK hearing loss and facial numbness issues.  Sadly they basically laugh when you ask about regaining hearing.  Was told just last week that it is impossible.  We have always hope, though!!
Title: Re: Hearing - Does it ever come back or get better?
Post by: Crazycat on February 10, 2016, 02:07:36 am
Maybe someday with stem cell replacement technology. Who knows?
Title: Re: Hearing - Does it ever come back or get better?
Post by: Doc on February 10, 2016, 12:29:40 pm
...short answer - probably not  :(
Title: Re: Hearing - Does it ever come back or get better?
Post by: PaulW on February 10, 2016, 07:35:26 pm
I have read about people having their hearing restored after surgery which is theorized to be linked to the decompression of the nerves and blood vessels in the IAC after the tumor is removed.
This happened straight after surgery however and for small tumors only. Cant find any medical literature where hearing has improved after 6 months   
Title: Re: Hearing - Does it ever come back or get better?
Post by: Deke17 on March 01, 2016, 01:21:39 pm
In my case, and in most cases I have read about, hearing in the AN side will not be restored. But there are some hearing aides available that can amplify sound or transmit sound waves to the good side.  Depends on your situation and how much hearing you have in your bad ear.....your ENT will be able to help you.