Acoustic Neuroma Association
600 Peachtree Parkway
Suite 108
Cumming, GA 30041

Acoustic Neuroma Patient Stories

Read stories from the ANA community and share your own acoustic neuroma story to help inspire others.

Moving Forward After Acoustic Neuroma Interrupted Our Plans for A Family

Kelly Stedman

In January 2020, I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma after failing an audiogram. I was 31 years old. My husband and I planned to have kids, so I decided to have Translab surgery in October.  Though my tumor was fully removed, I was left single-sided deaf with permanent facial paralysis and synkinesis.

 

PARENTING WITH HEARING LOSS

Emily Truell
ANA Peer Mentor and Support Group Leader
*Reprinted with permission from HLAA*

I was 27 when I realized I couldn’t understand phone calls if I used my left ear. I told my primary doctor, who scheduled a battery of tests. After hearing exams, audiology and otolaryngology appointments and an MRI, I was diagnosed with a 3cm acoustic neuroma (or vestibular schwannoma), a non-cancerous brain tumor. At that point, I’d already lost significant hearing in my left ear, and surgery to remove the brain tumor resulted in single-sided deafness.

 

Rapid Decrease in Hearing Led to AN Diagnosis
By Rob Landis

It was the summer of 2013, between my sophomore and junior years of college. I was making plans for the summer to hang out with my friends, take some vacations, and work part-time to earn some extra money. Unfortunately, all of this was put on hold very suddenly.  At the age of 20, I learned I had an acoustic neuroma.

ONE LAST UNEXPECTED CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Oscar Gonzalez de las Cuevas
Spain

On January 27th 2020 , I was diagnosed with something that I had never heard of – a 1.9 cm acoustic neuroma. Although a benign tumor, my ENT made it clear there could be a downside. The tumor’s location could potentially cause a variety of symptoms.

Finding Information and Support After Misdiagnosis
By Elizabeth Kauermann

In the fall of 2019, a clogged ear and reduced hearing were treated unsuccessfully with Flonase and allergy medication by my ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician. After also developing a numb tongue, I decided to seek out another ENT to find answers, and hopefully a more successful treatment solution.

Reach Out

To connect with any of the patients featured, please contact ANA at 678-331-5369 or email volunteers@ANAUSA.org.

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Note: In no case does ANA endorse any commercial products, surgeon, medical procedure, medical institution, or its staff.

The stories featured on this page reflect the personal AN experience, perspectives, and opinions of the authors in an effort to increase awareness and provide a resource for support. The information and experiences shared in these stories should never take the place of professional medical advice.
If you have any questions about any content on this page, please contact us at editor@anausa.org. Read our full editorial policy.
 

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