Ever heard of this?

[lholl36233]

I had a hearing test today. While my word recognition is 4% which is statistically the same as zero, I do have hearing on my left side.  The audiologist said I have good bone conduction so the sound is being picked up on the left and conducted over to my 100% right ear.  This would explain why I can understand some words at a lower volume on the phone.  I could not do this before my proton treatments.  As a result, she doesn't see a need for a hearing aid.

This was a new one on me.  Has anyone else been told this?

Laura

[Jim Scott]

Laura ~

No, I haven't had this experience but I'm glad to learn that you have, with the result being some useful hearing ability in your 'AN ear'.  This is a very pleasant development! 

Jim

[Pooter]

It seems to me that given that "situation" with having good conduction, etc.. that it would mean that a BAHA, TransEar or Ponto Pro would be a good thing to have (i.e. they would help MORE than what the body is doing for itself).  It sounds fishy to me that the audiologist would advise against something that, presumably, would help you..

Anyone else skeptical of this?

Regards,

Brian

[leapyrtwins]

Laura -

I am skeptical also - and I also think that a BAHA or TransEar would do wonders for you. 

You should ask the audiologist about letting you do a BAHA demo.  If you are met with resistance, I'd look into another audiologist.

If you don't know any others in your area, the Cochlear Americas website has a place where you can search for providers in your area.

Jan

[Denise S]

   UH,  what's a Proton treatments?   just curious as I'm reading about all the hearing options now.

thanks 

[lholl36233]

Denise,

I had proton radiation at Mass General in Boston.  It is supposed to be precise and only radiate the tumor and not surrounding areas.  I went for a hearing test at Mass Eye and Ear because I thought my hearing was better.  It is better even though the audiologist couldn't cofirm that because she didn't have my prior hearing tests I had done in Worcester.  The word recognition is still bad but she said sound was conducted over to my 100% right ear.

I'm going to have to go back and see Dr. McKenna.  He can answer my questions the audiologist couldn't.

Laura

[Denise S]

O.K. Laura, I get it now.   Best of luck with all of your follow up.   I am assuming this isn't a treatment POST surgery?     

I'm looking for all the options post surgery now for SSD.  I've still got an abnormal case of additional extended brain swelling 6 weeks post middle fossa surgery and I had hearing for 2 days after surgery, but now I don't.  SO, they haven't guaranteed I won't get it back.  In the mean time, I'm doing all my research to be prepared 

Thanks for you time.
Denise

[lholl36233]

Hi,

I finally saw Dr. McKenna to get his opinion on what the audiologist told me.  He did not agree my improved hearing was due to bone conduction.  I brought the last hearing test I had at UMASS.  He said there was improvement.  He was fascinated when I told stories of how I can now use the phone on my left ear.  Dr. McKenna asked if I was having any facial nerve issues.  I'm not so he said I'm doing great and that I should come back in 2 years for a hearing test.  I didn't get an explanation for what is happening but I'm sure that is because he didn't have one.  I mentioned he should talk to Dr. Loeffler in December when I have my follow up MRI so he can take a look. Dr. McKenna said, "Oh I will", like he meant it.

Interesting...

[Lynn Mc]

Hi Laura,

Wow!  Thought you would get more info than you did.  I am sure Dr. McKenna will definitely follow you.  Hope your hearing continues to improve for whatever reason.
Nice to meet you at the brunch!

Happy Trails,
Lynn

[lholl36233]

Hi Lynn,

I'm glad I met you at the brunch.  Even though I didn't get all of the answers, I'm glad I saw Dr. McKenna.  My 1 year MRI in December should be interesting...

Laura