Anyone else diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, a benign brain tumor?

True

The "Small Step Approach" is always good, isn't it @rose4622? That way you can recognize benchmarks and celebrate with each success.

Yes!

That is great, @rose4622. At least the hearing problem is partially solved!

I was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma on my left side in February 2006. It's size was 8 x 14.5 x 8.5 mm. I had hearing loss, ear ringing, and balance issues. I received Gamma Knife treatment at the University of Minnesota Fairview hospital in Minneapolis later that same year. After 10 years of monitoring the tumor with MRI's there has been no additional growth and my neurologist said that future MRI monitoring is not needed unless the symptoms change. So far so good (2018) !. My primary care physician suggested I try treatment at the National Balance and Dizzy center in St. Paul for my balance issues. They give you exercises to improve you balance. This really improved my balance and eliminated the severe dizziness. I still do the exercises from time to time if I my balance feels a little off. It usually helps. I also got a hearing aid to help with the hearing loss and I also think it helps a little with the ringing in my left ear. Nothing eliminates it and that is probably the worst symptom to me. It is also a constant reminder that the tumor is still there ! I get a hearing test every year just to keep track and my hearing loss has remained about the same after the initial loss. I am posting here because I wanted to share my story and that the balance exercises have really improved the dizziness, balance issues and just that crappy feeling you get in your head! It sounds like other people are also doing various exercises to improve their balance. The Gamma Knife treatment was a 1 day outpatient treatment with no side effects and a little bit of pain from screwing the halo into your head. I'm 60 years old and retired and do not think much about the acoustic neuroma anymore but have other aches and pains and medical issues to worry about as I get older !

Hearing aid specialist turned up sound on my left hearing aid. It really helps because I have no hearing in my right ear since surgery.

Hi @rose4622, have you started with PT yet? If so, how is it going for you?

I hope that it helps you with your balance problems.

Thanks for sharing Gary
I may have to go through Gamma knife the first of next year to zap the pieces of tumor left after resecton of a 3,3 cm tumor Sept 10. I dont want to do it. Im still recovering and cant see myself going through that. Im 68 and still have balance issues. My hearing aids dont work well now that my hearing is completely gone now. Can afford another one. Life is so hard right now.

Thanks for sharing Gary
I may have to go through Gamma knife the first of next year to zap the pieces of tumor left after resecton of a 3,3 cm tumor Sept 10. I dont want to do it. Im still recovering and cant see myself going through that. Im 68 and still have balance issues. My hearing aids dont work well now that my hearing is completely gone now. Can afford another one. Life is so hard right now.