Hi Kar3n,
My symptoms were pretty much the standard symptoms - mild hearing loss and tinnitus. Mine was sudden onset - I woke up one day and it was there. So I knew immediately something was wrong, and luckily my ENT ordered an MRI so I was diagnosed fairly quickly. I was also 27 so my story is not your typical story.
Once you get your MRI results, if you do have an AN, it will be ok! The tumor is slow growing so you will have the luxury to take your time and research all of the options. Also, there are a lot of us out here that have had great outcomes! I had surgery 2 years ago to remove my AN and my hearing was completed saved, and I didn't have any facial or balance issues! In the short time between my symptoms and my diagnosis, I was actually relieved! There was now a reason for my symptoms and I could then focus my energies on a solution. It sounds like you have had your symptoms for awhile, so maybe now you will finally know why! I actually had symptoms that I didn't even realize were attributed to the tumor, which are now gone post-op (headaches, motion sickness, metallic taste in mouth occasionally). Hope this helps!