Hi Julie,
I'm reading your email and I want to just cry with you - and I am a guy. You are a musician, so reading that you might lose your hearing is such a serious issue. I say that not to make you feel any worse, but losing hearing is a big deal for all of us, but much more for you. Wendy and Clarice gave you some sound advice. As Clarice correctly points out, the results are not a template, we all recovery differently, and what is on a MRI is not necessarily what the surgeons will deal with. This suggestion might be unrealistic, but if possible, could you go back to each doctor and ask them based on your tumor's size/location and the procedures they want to take, what percentage of YOUR patients came out of this with hearing. Ask them to give you some numbers like " in the 10 years I have done this, I have saved 60 percent of the hearing of my patients". If you could get a good statistical picture from the three opinions, perhaps this would be an easier decision to make. In my opinion, the doctors owe you that kind of data, it's your right, so don't be shy - demand it in a professional way. I hope that helps, my heart truly goes out to you my dear.
God Bless you,
Bob