finally took hearing test!

[rockenrollertami]

I've been suffering from hearing loss for 10+ yrs. In 2003 my doc ordered an MRI based on suggestive symptons of degenerative disc disease the results were positive not only for DDD, but also discovered of spinal schwannoma, I've since seen a neurosurgeon, 2 neurologists, 1 pain mngmt. doctor & have had 4 MRI's one with the administration of contrast.  Bottom line is always, "if it's not broke, don't fix it/come back to the ER upon paralyses from the waist down, etc.) not very encouraging, to say the least!  I have come to terms with this debilitating conditon and manage the NON-STOP chronic pain with a 72 hr. time release patches. However, after 10 yrs. of urging from doc's to have my hearing tested, I obliged, with high hopes, only to leave in tears.  I am not a candidate for a hearing aid and the only explanation given was genetics/nerve, yet when I was beyond politely persistant, the doctor said it had nothing to do with "this" tumor.  I'm getting very tired of suffering to no avail. I am a 41 yr. old mother of 3 girls (2 still at home) Any help would be appreciated.   Thank You, I remain, Sincerely, Tammy Brewster

[devlee]

I've had a hearing loss in my left ear for at least 8+ yrs.  I am 48 yrs old.  My MRI discovered a lesion on my brain stem.  I have questions for you...
1. Does eating chocolate affect your hearing or balance?
2. Can you hear noises but have a hard time make out words.
3. Do you mistake words for other words?People think I'm funny!
4. Are you exhausted after a party because you work so hard on listening to converstaions?
5. Have your eye sight changed?
6. Do you slur your speech? (Specially when you are tired?)
7. Does your ears itch?
I kno these are weird questions but they may help to determine the cause.
TG

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I'm sorry to hear what happened and what you have been going through all these years.  I agree that there are some hearing conditions that will have no definitive treatment and the best one can do is to cope with the situation as less traumatic as possible.  For this reason, I think it would help if you get counseling to aid you in coping.  I also agree that he spinal tumor may not be responsible for the hearing problem, but I'm not sure it is totally innocent in causing the other pains you are experiencing.  I suggest you discuss all the options at depth with your neurologist or neurosurgeon and hopefully come up with an agreeable solution.  I hope you can be rid of all these problems soon.  Regards.