Inquiry into symptoms

[lori3324]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to get your thoughts on my situation....

I have had ringing in my left ear for quite some time. I ignored it for many months. After a really bad cold back in the spring of 2011, the ringing seemed to have gotten much worse, and I just could not shake the feeling that something was in my ear. I went to see ENT in July and he gave me steroids, antibiotics, etc. I also got a hearing test which showed some hearing loss in the left ear. It's mild at 40db and in the high frequency range at 8K.
Then in September, I started to get pain on the left side of my face/ear area....nothing bad just a feeling of pressure and sometimes a sharper sensation. I have also had some left-sided headaches, but again it's all intermittment. The biggest change since September has been painful loud or shrill noises and some dizziness. It has hurt to talk on my cell phone with my left ear or when someone claps or yells really loud next to me at my son's sporting events. I find myself squeezing my eyes shut/wincing in anticipation of any shrill noise!!! I've also noticed that in a crowd or group with lots of folks talking that I have trouble picking out what someone is saying to me. I went back to ENT last week and told him of my change in symptoms. I took another hearing test. The hearing test shows the same results as in July...almost identical. They did an exam for the eustachian tubes (can't remember name)....it turned out normal. He thinks it's possibly an AN and wants me to see a neurotologist. I have an appt. next Tuesday.

I would love your thoughts on this progression of symptoms and also, if not an AN, then what are some other likely culprits for the symptoms? I have such a full/happy life. I hope the ENT is wrong.

Here's hoping for the best
Lori

[Sam Rush]

Symptoms could be numerous things, including AN, but no point in seeing the neurotologist until you've had an MRI with contrast.

Your symptoms sound more like serous otitis with hyperacusis.

If it is an AN, you will still lead a full and happy life.

[lori3324]

Very true about happiness!!
I'm not sure why he decided to go ahead and send me to the otologist. I'm guessing though that it's because I have family history of brain tumors. My uncle (mom's brother) died at 35 of a malignant brain tumor.

[New girl]

My AN symptoms were constant ringing in the ear with a decreased hearing of high frequency sounds.  I agree with going for the MRI prior to seeing the neurologist.  I am thankful that my ENT doc immediately sent me for an MRI since he said my symptoms threw up a "pink flag".  Best wishes.

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Lori - and welcome ~

Let me state, emphatically, that I hope you don't have an acoustic neuroma.  However, only the MRI scan can tell you that.  Normally, I would suggest that ear noises, ringing, imbalance, etc could be related to other causes but because you're being seen by an ENT physician I tend to doubt that explanation.  However, there are numerous other possible explanations for your symptoms.  That's why the doctor orders the MRI scan.  It may find an acoustic neuroma - or nothing at all.  However, even if the MRI comes back 'clean' (no AN) it may yield other information relating to your symptoms that can help the doctor find the cause.  Whatever the results, we'll be here to support you and celebrate with you even if the MRI shows nothing of consequence.  Please let us know the result.  Thanks.

Jim    

[CHD63]

Hi Lori and welcome to this forum .....

As the others have said, you may or may not have an AN and the only way to know for certain is via an MRI with contrast.  It is a bit puzzling to me why your ENT did not order the MRI with contrast if he wants to rule out an acoustic neuroma.  I agree with the others that going to the otolaryngologist first will only delay the diagnosis.  Plenty of time to see the specialist after you know the results of the MRI.  Even your PCP can order the necessary MRI if your ENT will not.  I'd make some calls if I were you to see about scheduling an MRI before your next appointment.  Then he will have all of the facts before him for a faster and more accurate diagnosis.

Just my thoughts .....

Clarice