Tinnitus from Acoustic Neuroma

Hi, I have been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma and will be having gamma knife surgery on November 20, 2017. It is a medium sized tumor 7.3mm x 4.2mm.

I have had several doctors tell me that the tinnitus will never go away. I am so depressed. The ringing is so loud it sounds like a shrill fire bell.

I can live with the hearing loss, the vertigo and balance issues but I am having a hard time accepting the tinnitus....

 

It says you've had it since 2013? Or has it gotten worse?

 

Hi Tami,
A hearing aid with built in masker will help you and medication for balance and balance physio.
Try not to worry and let the hospital specialist look after you and after care and ask them questions to reassure you.
We are here for you around the clock .
Love glynis

 

I have had the tinnitus and hearing loss since 2013. I figured something was wrong once the vertigo and balance issues started. After a CAT scan. I was told that everything was normal. But I did not feel normal and persisted that something was off. Finally, a doctor ordered a vertigo assessment test which led to an MRI and then finally a diagnosis. It took a long time to get where I am now.

 

Hello @Tami Jean

How did your surgery go?

 

@Tami Jean
Hi Tami, just read your post, How are you feeling? I wish you a healthy recovery.

 

I had Gamma Knife surgery on November 20, 2017. The entire procedure took around 5 hours. It was virtually painless. I have a few headaches and bouts of vertigo and some thinning of my hair where the radiation was concentrated. I spent the first few days sleeping as I did not have much energy. Unfortunately my hearing has diminished some and the tinnitus is louder than before. I go for my pre op appointment on Dedember 20. I will address these issues then

 

Let's hope that your hearing can heal a bit to help reduce T somewhat for you.
Good that you moved ahead with your surgery. I think you made the right move, even though it was a difficult one.
Perhaps a hearing aid can help.
Would you be comfortable posting your post-op audiogram?