Hi Karla,
Wishing you the best through your difficult time but you are in great wench hands with this lot.
Just a question - what type of surgery are you having? I had middle fossa and pre surgery, found it really hard to hear on the phone but still could. Could also hear normal conversation (albeit hard). Post surgery, can't har on the phone and can hear conversations a little if people yell. yes, in theory they retained my hearing but it's not very useful.
Question you can ask is - if they are doing middle fossa or retris... will they take all the growth out or will some be left behind?. This is a key question that i didn't ask and after syurgery, I was told "we got it all out". 3 yeatrs later, it grew back and the ENT surgeon said -"we did leave the casing there". Well, I could have flattened him in his office. I restrained myself but I was rather annoyed when i was lied to.
It is hard over the phone but I would ask the Dr when he says, they are hopeful of retaining some hearing - get them to clarify what that means - will i hear conversation? will I hear on the phone? and will they take it ALL out.
Don't want to create concerns for you but best to ask now.
Larry