Hi Paula. I see no one has posted a reply yet, so I will share some things. Choosing a doctor (and selecting a surgery method) is perhaps the most difficult part of being a patient with these types of tumors. Many times I almost wished I had no choices to make and that there was only one option. That said, we do the research and make the best decisions we can. I would suggest getting into a doctor as soon as possible, especially because of the symptoms he is experiencing. There are several dozen great doctors around the USA who do this type of work - I personally consulted with 3 before choosing my doctor. I had surgery Jan 30 and I am on the mend. Hearing down to 10-20% in my left ear and my balance is slowly recovering with help from twice per week PT and home exercises. Can't drive yet, but I expect I could in a few weeks if my progress continues. But I feel good and I can hear Ok with one good ear. Maybe the other can be amplified in time. These are outcomes that need to be considered, but it is seldom a situation where life is the same as it was before surgery. It can still be good, just with some new challenges and new ways of experiencing the world.
