Tumbleweed's 52-month followup MRI

[Tumbleweed]

Hi, everybody:

Had my followup MRI and audiogram, 4 years and 4 months post-CK. Both brain tumors -- my AN that was treated with CK, and my hypoglossal schwannoma that has not been treated -- are stable. No further shrinkage, but no growth either.

My hearing has deteriorated slightly compared to a year ago, with a 10dB drop in response at 500 Hz (possibly statistical error) and my speech-recognition score lowering from 84% to 60%. However, I had my audiogram performed at a different facility this time around (I didn't travel to Stanford for my followup tests this year), so it's an apples-to-oranges comparison that might not be totally accurate. Differences in equipment, sound booths and technicians could partially account for the different results.

All in all, a great outcome. I'll have to get another MRI in a year, because I'm W&W on the untreated hypoglossal tumor.

Life is great!

Best wishes to all,
TW

[Jim Scott]

TW ~

Thanks for the positive update!  Good news is always welcome. 

Jim

[chloes mema]

TW
Good for you!

Sorry to hear about the loss in hearing but could be due to the differences you mentioned.

All in all, great news!   

Karen

[jaylogs]

Hey TW, congrats!! Glad to hear all is good! y'know, I've always wondered why these audiologists don't use a standard testing program and all with the same voice? I had mine done here locally and then at House Ear...the one here was a female saying the words live and the one at House was a recorded male voice.  Interesting...anyway, I digress.. congrats!
Jay

[mk]

Hi TW,

I am very glad to hear your news. 10 dB is most likely within the error margin, and the news about both tumors being stable is great. Most importantly, it looks like you are also feeling good. A great conclusion to the thanksgiving holiday.

Marianna

[Tumbleweed]

I've always wondered why these audiologists don't use a standard testing program and all with the same voice? I had mine done here locally and then at House Ear...the one here was a female saying the words live and the one at House was a recorded male voice. 

I agree, it's a problem. So many variables come into play when having audiograms performed alternately at different facilities: The headphones employed may offer a different frequency response or less effective noise isolation from external noises, the sound booth might leak more noise from the building's HVAC system (masking pure tones at lower levels and making it appear that you couldn't otherwise hear them), cabling might be microphonic (picking up the sound of your breathing, creating more masking), the technician might use a different presentation level for the tests (a lower level might cause you not to hear certain spoken words, whereas a louder level might cause distortion that makes the words sound unclear), etc. This is why, as Marianna pointed out, a 10dB variance in results isn't necessarily conclusive. I am no less than shocked at how loose the standards are for audiology facilities performing audiograms. For this reason, I never have complete faith in the results. Thankfully, MRIs are much more exacting and conclusive.

Thanks so much to everyone who responded with their well wishes and support.

Best,
TW

[It is what it is]

Thanks TW for your update.  Enjoy the holidays. 

Karen

[leapyrtwins]

Glad to hear that things are stable.  Good news!

Jan