Waiting for MRI

[Fourblkblts]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this site, but have found lots of useful information. Feeling a little frustrated, I was referred to an ENT specialist for balance problems and tinnitus in my right ear. I have since seen an audiologist who performed a hearing test and found a mild hearing loss in my right ear. After receiving the report the ENT Specialist stated that I could possibly have an (AN) but she felt I just had a case of tinnitus and that not much could be done for it, I reminded her that I was also concerned about balance issues and that's when she decided to schedule me for an ABR. After the ABR was performed and she received the results, she informed me that it was very common for these tests to come back abnormal when in fact there is no abnormality ( by the way the ABR showed an abnormality on my right side, which is where the hearing loss was diagnosed and the tinnitus has been the problem). She stated to me that if I would like she would schedule me for an MRI if I wanted, or I could wait a year and have another hearing exam at that time. I stated that I did not want to wait and will be scheduled for an MRI within the next week.  I guess my concern or frustration is: is this normal to have to go through so many tests and visits to finally get scheduled for an MRI and for some doctors to seem put off? Oh yeah and does the type of MRI matter?

Thanks for listening.

[arizonajack]

is this normal to have to go through so many tests and visits to finally get scheduled for an MRI and for some doctors to seem put off?

Doesn't really matter if it's normal or not. Some doctors are too cautious and some aren't cautious enough. Bottom line is that you take control of your medical care and if your doctor is not responsive you dump him/her and getting another. I've had to do that in the past.

does the type of MRI matter?

You'll want to make sure it's done with "contrast." A small AN might not be discernible without it.

I agree with your decision to get an MRI now rather than wait a year. It only took about a year for my AN to destroy my hearing on that side.

If you do turn out to have an AN, do as much research as possible in order to decide on appropriate treatment. As long as you still have serviceable hearing, time is your enemy.

[leapyrtwins]

Personally never had an ABR - or tinnitus. 

Went to my ENT because of a feeling of fullness in my left (AN) ear and diminished hearing.  Hearing test showed that my hearing was less than 100% in my left ear (previous hearing test with this same doc showed 100% normal hearing) and since my ENT couldn't see anything by looking in my ear he decided there could be "something inside" my inner ear canal.  Only way to see "inside" was with an MRI, which he promptly ordered.

An MRI - preferably with gadolinium contrast - is the only way to know if you have an AN or not.

Your ENT and audiologist are probably going on the fact that ANs are relatively rare - and balance issues and tinnitus are often related to issues other than an AN.  Tinnitus is experienced by lots of people without ANs - and there are lots of people with ANs who never had tinnitus; so it may or may not be a symptom of having an AN.  Tinnitus isn't in the ear at all; it's literally all in your head. 

The suggestion of waiting another year for a hearing test and/or MRI isn't as bad an idea as you might think.  ANs are typically very slow growing so it's highly possible that if you do have an AN waiting a year to find out wouldn't be a very big deal.

That said, it's definitely within your rights to insist on an MRI and if you feel strongly that you want one don't let your doctor tell you no.

Good luck; keep us posted,

Jan

[TexasSprinter]

My vote is to get the MRI now.  If it comes back clear, it will be a load off your mind.  If it finds an AN, you'll have better information sooner so that you can make an informed treatment decision.  Your vote is the one that counts, though. 

[Fourblkblts]

Thank you all for your support.

I am scheduled for an MRI on Friday, January 10. I'll keep you posted.

 

[leapyrtwins]

Good luck, tomorrow.