ENT and Audiologist Vist

[Sue]

Monday I went to see the audiologist to get information on hearing aids.  She recommended the Croslink Hearing Aid for me.  Of course it is $2900!   So we talked awhile and that was it.  But she did tell me that she just had an 85 year old woman, who IGNORED her symptoms for 7 years, who is now at OHSU having surgery because the big AN she now has is life threatening.  85 years old and having surgery.  Wow. 

Then I had the appointment with my new ENT because the other ENT who didn't diagnose me correctly last year is no longer there. Anyway, my new Dr. was quite interested in my MRI that he could pull up on his laptop.  He kept looking at that.  I think he thought I should have had a appointment with an Otologist...is that right?  He told me...well neurosurgeons usually don't like to do AN surgeries, but otologists LOVE doing them. He told me there were some good ones in Seattle and OHSU, but since I've already had GK then there wasn't much he could say about that except what my neursurgeon already is doing.  MRI in Feb or so and make sure it doesn't keep growing, which he said after GK they usually don't.  I said, Good. So, that was the end of that.  Everything else seemed okay.  So unless I have something else going on...guess I don't have to see an ENT anymore.  Cross one doctor off the list.

Have a good Wednesday everyone.  (Or Thursday or whatever day it is in other lands!)

vANcouver Sue

[Battyp]

Hey Sue I think my original ENT is related to yours! 
I wish I could say no more doctors  LOL  All I can say is OH NO NO more insurance! 

[ppearl214]

Hey Sue

Long time, no speak! Sounds like you are doing well.

Being in nearly the same shoes as you (you know, having our heads zapped and whacked), for me... I'll continue my appts with my ENT to make sure hearing preservation is where it needs to be or monitor for other issues.  Hoping you and Battywench are doing well...

xo
Phyl

[amymeri]

I found that the audiologist wanted the Croslink and the ENT surgeon wanted the BAHA...perhaps because each only deals with the one modality...aide or surgical implant!

Anyways, I never heard that NS don't like ANs!  My chief surgeon was a neurosugeon and he worked closely with my ENT surgeon.  I see both in F/U but the NS is the one who will follow me and my brain for years while the ENT deals with my facial paralysis and hearing issues.  In fact, I heard that NS do ANs bigger than 2 cm while ENTs do the "smaller" ones, but either option is okay because its the experience of the surgeon that really counts!!

[Crazycat]

Sue,

Yes, ENTs' on the surgical end are referred to as "neurotologists" because they specialize in not only the nerves involving the ear, but the cranial nerves in general at the base of the skull, involving taste, swallowing, facial movement, balance, sensation, etc......

   Here is my doctor's page at Mass Eye & Ear Infirmiry in Boston : http://www.meei.harvard.edu/shared/staff/otodocs/mmckenna.htm

Notice that, although he is an "ENT", he is, more specifically, a "Neurotologist".

And he, is, by the way, an EXCELLENT surgeon!

    Paul

[Sue]

Thanks to everyone, I am learning something new everyday. Now, REMEMBERING it is the trick!!     I should have asked him if I need to see him again...he didn't indicate that I need to go back for any further examinations.  Maybe something I should ask them about, Hmmm??

Sue in Vancouver