Acoustic Neuroma: Auditory symptoms are overwhelming

My situation is very much like yours. I am going to request a personal consult with the anesthesiologist. Like you, I believe my neurosurgeon minimized my issue. There is no way a couple of Ativan will alleviate my anxiety. If the anesthesiologist doesn’t come up with something stronger, I will be going somewhere else for treatment.

I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma in July of 2024. I was referred to Mayo Rochester and told to get a hearing aid for my right ear and take the "wait and watch" approach, as the tumor was small at 11 mm. In Feb. I had another MRI. The tumor did grow 2mm. I can choose to have the gamma knife (I would lose hearing on the left side) or wait another year. If it is still growing, they would do the gamma knife at that time. My symptoms were better for several months last summer, early fall but are back in full again. Has anyone found anything that helps? I have constant ringing, hearing different tones of a whistle type sounds, have the feeling of pressure/fullness and bouts of dizziness and balance issues. More recently I have a dull ache in my left temple area, too.

I don't understand why Mayo is telling you that the gamma knife is your only option. My daughter's story is similar to yours. She is having the procedure described below in about three weeks in Europe.

The middle cranial fossa approach involves an incision above the ear. The internal auditory canal is approached from above and an experienced surgeon can expose the tumor without compromising the structures of the inner ear. This procedure is reserved for patients with useful hearing and tumors smaller than 1.7 centimeters. This technique offers the highest likelihood of long-term hearing preservation.

The House ear institute in L.A. has the most experience wit acoustic neuromas. The current treatments were developed there. They have a team approach that moves smoothly

I’m also a Mayo Jax Fl patient. I had Gamma Ray done a year ago February. My hearing in my left ear is totally gone but the tinnitus is bad. I use small bud in my left ear at night with white noise to distract the left ear noise. I wear a hearing aid in my right ear to help and now a Bi-cross in left ear. Sounds on left side transmit to right ear aid. I was 76 when diagnosed and in excellent health but the surgery is extremely long and involved and not recommended for me.

Thank you for the information. It might be my age, I am 74. I had not heard of this approach. Where in Europe is your daughter going? I wish her the best possible outcome. ~ Kathy

Yes, it could be an age thing. My daughter is 36. Still worth asking though. She is having the surgery done by a highly regarded specialist in Poland. But the technique is practiced widely in the US also. They do it at Mayo. Good luck with everything. Brian