Hearing Outcome

[mmjgg123]

Hi, I had a 2.5cm tumor removed via retrosigmoid on July 1st.  I knew there was a 50% chance of losing my hearing permanently.  The surgeon said he spared my hearing nerve.  I've been deaf in that ear since I came out of surgery, and it's been three and a half months.  ANA actually replied to a question I posted on their Facebook page saying that if i come out deaf, chances are I will stay deaf.  The surgeon said differently  So my question is if hearing can improve from deafness.  My hearing was pretty normal pre-surgery, although I didn't have any hearing tests.  I'm extra worried because I have another AN, 1.5cm on the other side which will be removed within the year.

Thanks in advance,
Mary

[Cheryl R]

Mary, are you going to a dr who has many NF2 patients?         Depending on the size and location of tumor you might be a candidate for mid fossa which not every dr does.  You need one who does them often.         The treatment of bilateral tumors has to be more careful to try and save hearing.    Also deciding on radiation will depend too on your dr as some believe that is not as good a choice for NF2 as others.   NF2 tumors can be more in a nerve as opposed to on a nerve for just a one sided AN.        I am lucky that still do have hearing on one side after surgery on that side.    I go to Univ of Iowa.           I am surprised to hear a dr say that the hearing could come back for you as do not think that is an usual happening.             Not an easy situitation to be in and I wish you well.                     Cheryl R

[arizonajack]

Hi, I had a 2.5cm tumor removed via retrosigmoid on July 1st.  I knew there was a 50% chance of losing my hearing permanently.  The surgeon said he spared my hearing nerve.  I've been deaf in that ear since I came out of surgery, and it's been three and a half months.  ANA actually replied to a question I posted on their Facebook page saying that if i come out deaf, chances are I will stay deaf.  The surgeon said differently  So my question is if hearing can improve from deafness.  My hearing was pretty normal pre-surgery, although I didn't have any hearing tests.

I think we do have one person whose hearing recovered. You might browse posts in the hearing forum to find him.

As for me, my AN side hearing went completely bye bye 3 years ago and hasn't come back.

[Doc]

My understanding is if the hearing nerve was not severed during surgery or otherwise damaged by the tumor, there is always a chance of ‘some level’ of hearing returning. I’d rely on what your Doctor tells you. Not a reply to a facebook post. Remember, the healing process involves time, and depends largely on your individual circumstances.

Take Care 

Doc

[mmjgg123]

Arizonajack, did you have hearing going into surgery on your AN side?

[mmjgg123]

Cheryl R, he said I don't have NF2....














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[Cheryl R]

Interesting to hear dr said that.      If you have an intact hearing nerve than you may be a candidate for a cochlear implant.          You still have to keep a closer watch and more frequent MRIs when one has bilateral tumors.
                              Cheryl R