ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: Lizard on October 20, 2010, 09:23:43 am
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Hey fellow formuites, jsut a quick question for y'all. I have some residual hearing in my ear and moderate tinnitus, but I haven't had my hearing tested since a month or two after the surgery. I'm now coming up on two years and I wonder if I should be having my hearing tested as well? I ask because I feel like my hearing has diminished more since surgery and I'm concerned, and paritally nerves because its tube o gloom time again...
Thanks!!!
Liz
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When I initially learned I had hearing loss (before I learned it was due to AN), the audiologist recommended that I get a new hearing test yearly.
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AN or not, you should get your hearing tested, yearly. I do get tested every year.
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My audiologist definitely recommended yearly tests. Check with your doc or audiologist.
~Dale
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Why not?
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I have yearly audiograms, as well ..... just part of the follow-up protocol with my ENT. Since I wear a hearing aid, it also assists the audiologist with programming of my hearing aid.
Sometimes diminished hearing can be caused by ear wax or fluid build-up behind the eardrum. An ear exam and audiogram would give you peace of mind or determine if further testing is needed.
Clarice
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Thank you all, I just feel weird/silly calling my ENT (neurotologist) for this. I suppose I could just call his office and request a test, not necessarily see him.
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I have extremely limited experience in this so forgive me, but from the replies of other forumites on this thread, I'd guess your ENT might be unhappy that you haven't called in for that hearing test. And again, in my limited experience, I'd look for another ENT if he wasn't upset about that!
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Basically my ENT "released" me after my CSF incision finally closed and I've been back only once to discuss some other sinus problems, but he never told me that I should get hearing tests yearly. This is strange I agree, so I just went ahead and scheduled one and when the receptionist asked me my name she said "Oh wow you haven't been here in a while, yes you are due". I guess that made me feel better...anyway thanks again for all your input.
Liz
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There ya' go ;)
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I am completely deaf in my AN ear, but my ENT wants me to have an annual hearing test in my good ear.
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Interesting thread.
Like many, I'm deaf in my AN ear and have perfect hearing in my "good" ear. No one has ever told me to have an annual hearing test.
Will have to ask my neurotologist his opinion.
Thanks for starting this topic, Liz.
Jan
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Jan ~
Similarly, my doctor (a neurosurgeon) has never recommended that I have my hearing tested. Like you, I hear very clearly in my 'good' ear so I see no need for testing my hearing, but, having a hearing test is certainly a good idea if one feels it may be necessary and/or, a doctor recommends it. Apparently some do - and some don't. However, I can see why an ENT might be more focused on hearing than a surgeon. Of course, should ever I detect any noticeable loss in my unilateral hearing acuity, I wouldn't hesitate to call an ENT to schedule a hearing examination.
Jim
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However, I can see why an ENT might be more focused on hearing than a surgeon.
I agree with you, Jim.
But since my neurotologist is a surgeon, and also an "ear guy", I think asking him is my best bet.
I still recall how appalled he was the first time I met him and he asked me how long my hearing was diminished. When I told him it was 3 months he was shocked :o
So knowing how important he finds hearing, I think he's the perfect one for me to ask about an annual hearing test.
Will report back here on his response.
Jan
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My ENT wants me to come back 2 years after I finished my proton radiation because I have noticed improvement in my hearing. Time will tell.
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Checked with my doc he said no one has a right answer.
Since I have a BAHA, he recommends a hearing test every 2-3 years, unless I notice a change in my "good" ear.
The reason for testing is to document if there are hearing changes, and if so, then he or my audiologist might recommend a more powerful BAHA.
If someone does not have a BAHA, then every 5 years would be fine, except if someone notes a hearing change.
Hope this helps,
Jan
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Thanks Jan! I'll have to ask what they recommend when I go in on the 2nd of Nov.
Liz
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I hadn't been checked after my AN surgery until I got ready for the BAHA implant. I thought hearing test was standard. The audio said no, my insurance had requested it. They must have wanted to prove I was totally deaf on the one side. She didn't mention anything about coming back in for retesting either. Interesting. I will watch out for dimished hearing as well and go from there. Thanks for starting this thread, it looks like it gave a lot of us something to think about.
Susan
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This is turning out to be quite an informative thread. I just assumed that an annual hearing test would be in order since an audiogram was scheduled for me right along with my 6 month MRI following the CK I just had. Like I said, I have extremely limited knowledge, however, since I have only one really "good" ear, I'd like to know how it's doing year to year with data.
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I've had annual MRIs since one year post op but have not had a hearing test since I was diagnosed with my AN.
In my case, there's not a lot to tell. It's already been established that I'm SSD so I'm not sure what a hearing test each year would uncover. Guess that's why my doc says I should have one if anything changes in my "good" ear.
I was tempted to ask him when the time comes for my hearing test if I'll only be charged half price since I only have hearing in one ear ;D Yeah, right.
Jan
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Doesn't work with my barber, either. :D
(not to derail this thread ;))
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So....I had my hearing test today and there is not much of a change in loss, but they want me to come in and talk to my neurotologist anyway. The audiologist was concerned that due to the range of my loss (which apparently is most severe in the range where people speak), as well as the tinnitus and the distortion to that sound, I should really get a hearing device.
She also explained that when sound is coming at you across the same level (decibel) the good ear picks up the sound and the bad ear basically ignores it. This makes sense as to why even with some hearing I have directionality problems and issues when there is a lot of background noise almost as though I am SSD.
I guess I'll wait and see what the Dr says in a couple weeks. She did recommend that I continue to get my hearing tested yearly especially if I get a hearing device of some kind. I also brought the results to my neurosurgeon and he was also happy to see that I followed up with it as well.
Thanks all for your input, I feel much more informed (As always)
:D
Liz