We just found out a few hours ago my dad has Acoustic Neuroma

[eoswins]

Can anyone recommend any doctors from either University of Pennsylvania or Thomas Jefferson hospital?

His symptoms are: Almost complete loss of hearing in his right ear(started a few years ago, gradually got worse), tinnitus, right side of face cold, numb(recent), loss of taste on right side of tongue(recent), and problems with vision(recent)

Would any techniques used in surgery be able to bring back his hearing?

Any help is appreciated..thank you.

[Jim Scott]

Hi - and welcome to the ANA discussion forums. 

I do not reside in your geographical area so I'm unable to recommend any physicians at the facilities you asked about.

However, I can respond to your question regarding AN surgery and hearing restoration.  Although AN surgery removes (or reduces) the benign tumor, it cannot restore hearing.  Once the hearing nerve has been critically compromised it is irreparable and does not regenerate on its own.  However, there are very effective BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid) as well as non-surgical devices available that can help compensate for the loss of hearing in the affected ear.

I trust that forum members living near your area will soon be along to offer the information you seek.

Jim

[arizonajack]

Can anyone recommend any doctors from either University of Pennsylvania or Thomas Jefferson hospital?

The ANA website has a listing of medical resources on its website. You might have to be a member to access it. If you aren't a member yet, I encourage you to join.

http://anausa.org/index.php/welcome-to-the-ana-member-section#content

[Nannybee]

I am newly diagnosed myself and Philadelphia is our closest major city. My ENT recommended Michael J. Ruckenstein, MD at Penn, but due to insurance issues, I have to see someone at Hershey Medical Center.

[leapyrtwins]

Diagnosis can be scary, but there are a lot of worse things you can be diagnosed with.  99.9% of ANs are benign - and life after treatment is very good!

As Jim mentioned, there are options for hearing loss - I chose a BAHA and love it.

Good luck to your dad. 

Like arizonajack, I encourage you to become a member of the ANA.

Jan