I concur with the others that having the MRI is a good idea. I, too, was skeptical about it. I thought I had a really bad sinus problem that was making my hearing muffled. My primary care physician exhausted the sinus remedies and thankfully referred me to an ENT.
In conjunction with my first visit to the ENT I had a hearing test and office visit that involved some sobriety-test-like moves that I failed. He said that he wanted me to do an MRI and a balance test, with another office visit to follow. Another half day of doctor's visits! I was beginning to think these guys were joy-riding on my insurance, so I asked why we were doing the MRI. He told me it was to "rule out" a tumor growing on the hearing nerve. Unfortunately, we ruled it "in" instead.
I can tell you that a picture is worth a thousand words. When the doctor slapped the MRI on the screen the tumor was very obvious. Right side clear, left side tumor. I never questioned the diagnosis. Neither has my VERY skeptical husband. He had actually wanted me to do another MRI to confirm the diagnosis, but when he actually saw the film, he was a believer. As for the ABR, I didn't have one until after all of this was done, and it did show a poor response in my left ear.
Having just received the bill for my MRI, I can appreciate the expense, but if it comes back clear, you will have that information toward a different diagnosis. If not, you can move down the road to deal with the problem. Fortunately my AN is small to medium in size, so my prognosis is good. I am so appreciative that my primary care physician and the ENT zeroed in on the problem so quickly and I thank my lucky stars that I didn't just ignore my symptoms and move on. Please consider this investment in your health and peace of mind. Good luck to you!
Sanddollar
