unilateral hearing loss

[sazzabeezle]

I’m a 24year old girl who noticed hearing issues from at least a few years ago. I put it off due to covid and fear that Im too young to have any problems with hearing. 6 weeks ago I took the plunge and had a hearing test and my left ear is severe-profound hearing loss and my right is massively compensating. I went for a second opinion with my mum to be sure and the results were exactly the same. Audiologist said it was a severe unilateral hearing loss and that at my age it’s really quite a concern. Having already been linked to ENT the last 2 years due to swollen and enlarged lymph nodes in my neck I contacted them but the wait is over 6 months. I’m going to see a private ENT tomorrow, could I possibly have an acoustic neuroma or is it unlikely ?

[Alison_L]

Hi sazzabeezle. ANs are very rare and generally make an appearance much later in life - mine was diagnosed when I was 60. Given your lymph node problem, I would have thought your deafness is more likely connected to that.

Good luck at the ENT, and let us know what they think x

[sazzabeezle in reply to Alison_L]

Hi Alison,

Thank you for your reply.

The ENT doctor said there was nothing wrong with my lymph nodes and my ears are perfectly fine but that there is a chance it is an acoustic neuroma. I have been sent for an MRI on the 24th April and results will be discussed with me on the 27th. I’m hoping that considering it is so rare, they will not find anything but I have to admit I am not completely convinced at this point.

What happens if it is an acoustic neuroma ?

[Alison_L in reply to sazzabeezle]

It's good that you don't have to wait long for the MRI. If it's an acoustic neuroma (and it's still a big if), then you'll be referred to the Department of Neurosurgery (specifically the Skull Base Clinic in my case), who will decide the best course of action. Don't be alarmed by the fact that they're surgeons - they won't cut you open unless it's the only option, and there are almost always other options!

[Pinky789]

Hi Sazzabeezle,

I was 28 when diagnosed with an AN on my right side. I have been having issues with my ears ever since I was really young, many appointments with ENT over the years. I gave up going to my Dr in the end as I was fed up of being poked and prodded, but over the last five or so years my patience with tinnitus and difficulty hearing ran out, I went back to ENT and they sent me for an MRI scan, at no point did any of the Drs tell me that AN was a possibility so when I was told the shock was awful (I attended the appointment on my own). The fact that they have told you it's a possibility means you can research it and deal with it, prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

While it sounds alarming, an AN is benign and won't spread, I was told by the ENT consultant that it's one of the "better" brain tumours to have. I didn't believe him until I read up on it and am now fully aware of the symptoms and treatment options. I am waiting for my next scan in June or July 2023 and the results of the blood tests to see if it is caused by a genetic condition as I'm so young for this.

I do hope there is nothing serious going on for you, but if it is an AN then you are definitely not alone and will find a great support network online.