About 2 years ago I noticed by accident that I couldn’t hear as well out of my left ear as my right ear. I thought nothing of it at the time and figured it may just be congestion or some weird anomaly that would correct itself. It hasn’t changed since then. It doesn’t affect my day to day so it is really impossible to notice unless I completely block my right ear. If my right ear is blocked while listening to a podcast for example - I need to turn the volume up a bit to hear with my left ear.
Finally after 2 years I went to the ENT (this April) who did an audiogram and discovered that I have what is referred to as to as cookie bite hearing loss (mid frequency), meaning I have trouble hearing the frequency of peoples voices. However, I did still have 100% word recognition in my bad ear at 65db, meaning perfect word recognition at a louder volume.. He advised an MRI as the next step which revealed acoustic neuroma in my left ear.
Aside from the partial mid frequency hearing loss in my left ear, I have no other symptoms. I’m wondering what people would recommend for someone in my situation. Considering the only symptom is hardly noticeable and doesn’t effect my day to day life, I am wondering what the best course of action would be. I have read that these tumors sometimes randomly permanently stop growing. Given that my symptoms have been the same for 2 years (possibly longer as I only noticed incidentally) I am leaning towards a wait and watch approach. I’m sure an additional MRI will follow to determine if and how much it is growing. But if it’s stable I’m leaning towards wait and watch. Thoughts?
You and I are in approximately the same place. I just found out that I had an AN in my right ear last January. I have upper range hearing loss and it does affect my ability to hear speech. I also find I do not locate dropped items as efficiently as I once did. Unlike you, I have tinnitus, which is getting more and more intrusive. I have taken to falling asleep with music on so I don't focus on it the same way.
What has come across to me loud and clear is that I am not in an emergency situation and can wait and get a bit more data. I like data (and I also know that the quality of the first MRI was not as good as it could have been.) So, at least for now, I have decided to watch and wait until after a second MRI in October 2025. I also know that I am good at handling uncertainty so I can afford emotionally to wait.
I've seen Dan's chart (and suggested some additions which he graciously accepted.) I found it helpful.
You're not alone. This appears to be one of those things (like a lot of things in raising children) where you just have to make your best decision based on what you know and go with it.
Good luck,
Ellen
