Reply to ‘impact of your acoustic neuroma’

[Lois_Howell]

I had an acoustic neuroma, 3.5cm diameter, removed 16 years ago.

The most significant impact is that I had to sacrifice my left ear drum; being totally deaf on that side impacts negatively on my ability to socialise in crowded places. I can’t hold a conversation, however, due to Covid that hasn’t been a problem!

I have benefitted financially as I was granted early retirement from my teaching career and also claimed a significant sum from a critical illness policy.I now run a successful maths tuition business; the only insignificant impact is that my students must sit on my right side which makes it awkward to see what they’re writing if they’re left haded.

[Pinkrose1]

Hi Lois, I can imagine the frustration. I had my surgery 3 weeks ago for large AN and I struggled with hearing in that one ear before, now totally deaf. I'm hoping I can have some lip reading lessons as I know I will struggle in groups or noisy areas and hoping they will help me.

[cromseye]

Hi Lois ,

It is also same for me : from AN side - 2 cm - , I can hear noises but could not interpret speech. Currently I am in monitoring stage .

I am working as engineer and in calls almost 4-5 hours in a working day . Since AN, it is really hard for me working because of tiredness and spending more time to understand people .

Currently I am 41 but I was searching about any support from government to make this life easier - because I dont know how long I can continue like this marathon . Also , I didnt mention my situation to my friends , family and work . You have mentioned about early retirement and sum from a critical illness policy. Is it because of being totally deaf on that side or because of having AN situation ?

[Lois_Howell]

You’ll find that you pick up lip reading, at least if we can get rid of these darned masks