Middle Fossa and Hearing Preservation???

[Denise S]

Basically, I am just curious how many have had the Middle Fossa approach and actually had their hearing preserved??

Thanks 

[loose screws (tightened)]

Great question Denise. I'm as curious as you on this question. I'm one week behind you.

[Denise S]

Yeah, I posted it as a curiousity question because everything I've read & heard is that middle fossa is the best chance for preserving hearing, BUT, seems like I haven't heard anyone who has actually came through with it.   My doctors explained it very good and I totally understands there is a LOT that can contribute to it and even these smaller tumors can make a variety of impact just depending on where & how they are located.

Good Luck on the 16th!!

[jaylogs]

Hi Denise, yes, I'd like to hear more about this as well, as I am doing MF here on Dec 9th with Dr. Brackmann.  I figured if I went with translab, i'd lose my hearing anyways so I got nothing to lose and everything to gain!  
Jay

[Jim Scott]

Denise ~

Good question.  The general data we've all seen online usually gives the Middle Fossa approach to AN surgery something in the neighborhood of a 60% chance of preserving usable hearing.   Of course, there are numerous variables, including the patient's hearing status in the affected ear at the time of the surgery, the surgeon's skill, the size and configuration of the tumor, etc.  This is why it might be difficult to nail down absolute numbers on hearing preservation with the Middle Fossa surgery, although I can't blame you for trying.

A poll on this forum of AN patients that underwent the Middle Fossa surgical approach and the extent of their hearing preservation as a result might be interesting and worth doing even if it is anecdotal.

Jim

[sgerrard]

This question has come up before in the forum, i.e.:

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=6228.0

There was a presentation by Dr. Telian at the symposium in August on middle fossa. They are using a 3T MRI machine to get high resolution images, and selecting candidates where the position of the AN and the hearing nerve are favorable for hearing preservation. They are reporting very good hearing preservation with this pre-screening.

Our local ANA group leader Jerry had middle fossa at House and preserved hearing. It seems like a particularly demanding procedure, so both surgical skill and the exact position of your AN and the hearing nerve will determine the outcome.

But yes, it can happen.

Steve

[Desilu]

Hi Denise,

I had Middle Fossa approach at House. Before surgery my hearing was 100%. After surgery was 85%. It is serviceable hearing and I do not need a hearing aid. If I wanted to improve on that 85%, I could probably get a hearing aid and take that number up a little bit. If you have any questions, just send me a personal email. I wish you the best. Ann

[another NY postie]

Patrick-OC on forum had surgery with Brackmann HEI end of June and also preserved hearing.  you can search him and see his outcome here.

[Denise S]

Thanks for that link Steve....I tried to do a search before posting, but that one never came up.

I do hate to see where the one guy thought his dr. 'botched' it.   I have done enough research to know (plus with the great discussions with my doctors) that ever situation is different, and the outcome is too.     

Like I said, it was more of a curiousity question.   Although I have to say it is becasue lately it seems most that I've heard or read, have lost the hearing.

Thanks everyone who shares on this!    I think I'm o.k. if I end up losing one side of hearing (I tell myself it's only 1 side, and it's better than all of it) 

Denise

[cindyj]

Thanks everyone who shares on this!    I think I'm o.k. if I end up losing one side of hearing (I tell myself it's only 1 side, and it's better than all of it) 

Denise

Yes, you'll be more than ok!  And the one side that's left (if that happened) ends up having supersonic hearing 

cindy

[Denise S]

Cindy......THANKS!!!  I needed a good laugh anyways!   

[leapyrtwins]

Denise -

someone probably already said this, but mid fossa gives you the greatest chance of preserving your hearing.

Mid fossa isn't available to all AN patients based on tumor size and/or location, but if it's a possibility for you, go for it.

Jan

[OTO]

I had middle fossa in May 2007.   I have some hearing loss in my An-side (left) ear, not sure of the % (I'll probably have another hearing test this month).   I think it helps to have that residual hearing, but sometimes the hearing loss and tinnitus in the AN ear bothers me.    If I strain (really concentrate), I can use the phone on that ear, but its more comfortable to hold the phone on my other ear.     In loud situations (concerts or movies), sometime its uncomfortable, so I have to use kleenex or toilet tissue, and plug that ear.   For some reason, it's just more comfortable.

[m4guzman]

I have mid fossa on April 27th at NYU.  I asked the same question and got mixed responses.  I ended
up lossing my hearing.  You just never know.  Good luck

[Darlene]

I had mid fossa on July 1st and my hearing was totally preserved. 

Good Luck
Darlene