Well, I am a crazy patient that asked a very reputable doctor to cut my hearing nerve (after I was already SSD - 2 months post mid fossa and total tumor removal) and it didn't make the noise go away. This is true. However, somehow I really lost my mind after the first surgery and the tinnitus was honestly so bad that I felt suicidal. Dr House (of HEI) agreed to have a second surgery to cut the nerve telling me I had a 40-50% chance of tinnitus relief. After all the odds I was quoted before my 1st surgery (70% chance of saving hearing, 30% chance facial paralysis (temp)) the percentages didn't mean much to me anymore. I pushed on and had the surgery. I do think it helped reduce the noise a little, but I still consider myself a chronic tinnitus sufferer. It greatly reduces my quality of life and gets me down every day. After the nerve was cut I did notice a pretty remarkable improvement in my hyperacusis. I can't say for sure it was the surgery that made noise more tolerable. Perhaps it was just time.
In any case.... I know most sane people don't beg their doctors to cut the nerve. I did, but my sanity was a bit questionable after my first surgery. Going from 100% hearing to SSD and no tinnitus to a symphony of chaos in my head made me question whether or not I was going to make it. Or wanted to. And I am a very blessed 35 year old with a new baby and an adoring husband. So, yes, sometimes the noise can make you ask for brain surgery or wish you never woke up and could rest peacefully sans jet engines in your brain no matter how much you have to live for. And somehow Dr House of House Ear Clinic agreed to perform this surgery even though the odds were 50/50.
I don't recommend anyone else do this. Sometimes I wish I hadn't, but what is done is done.
Amy
