Acoustic neuroma

[seeker]

Hello everyone
Just looking for some reassurance!
Symptoms are: intermittent hearing loss for over ten years. It suddenly vanishes in my right ear and sounds and feels like I am underwater. It is accompanied by loud tinnitus. It usually fades back to normal after a couple of minutes.

occasional bouts of real vertigo, where the room spins and I have to stand still/sit down so I don't fall over.

A vague dizziness all of the time, akin to having had a couple of glasses of wine (I haven't!).

Sore inner right ear, with no obvious cause.

Headache in one particlar place, constantly - not agony, but just annoying.

A sense of 'pressure' under my right eye, next to nose.

These are all becoming more common, with the last three constant now for over a week. Am thinking it could also be an inner ear problem.

I'm going to doc to ask her to write a referral letter for a private MRi as it's 'only' £200 and will make me feel better if nothing is found.

Anyone else had this and it not be an acoustic neuroma? Or, has anyone had an acoustic neuroma and had it treated? It's the hearing loss and ear ache that worry me - the hearing loss has been happening for years, but is getting more common.

Thanks.

[blueangel]

Hi Seeker

I might be able to help you a little with this - my ex-husband is an audiologist, and so deals with all sorts of hearing issues.

First of all, acoustic neuromas are really rare; they cause sudden deafness, but not deafness that comes and goes. He's always been really clear that the very serious problems that affect hearing and/or balance will either get progressively worse, or you'll get a suddent onset which then doesn't go away at all. Your symptoms don't sound like this.

There are a number of things that could be causing these symptoms, but the most likely are a vestibular problem (i.e. related to the balance mechanisms in your ear), or issues with either your sinuses or your eustachian tubes, both of which can get affected by chronic infection.

It's a good idea to go to your GP, and he/she might decide to refer you to an ENT specialist. They can check out your hearing and balance, but as what you're describing comes and goes, I really wouldn't worry about it being something like an acoustic neuroma.

Hope this helps!

[seeker]

Thank you very much! I did go to my GP, who was very nice and referred me to ENT. I was very honest and she agreed it needed investigating, but was unlikely to be anything dramatic.
Any other reassurance much welcome!