Overcoming Acoustic Neuromas: A Personal Journey

 Overcoming Acoustic Neuromas: A Personal Journey

In sunny San Diego, Julie Sifford and her daughter Eliza share a tight bond, doing almost everything together. However, when Julie started experiencing lightheadedness and dizziness, their routine became a challenge. Little did she know, these symptoms were more than just signs of aging; they were indicators of a potentially life-changing condition – acoustic neuromas.

For Julie, it all began with the persistent ringing in her ear, a phenomenon known as tinnitus, and some gradual hearing loss in her left ear. Initially attributing it to normal aging, she soon realized it was something more.

“I’d had some tinnitus, the ringing in my ear, that really started increasing over time. I’d had some hearing loss and in my left ear and just assumed it was normal aging,” Julie recalls.

A revealing MRI uncovered the presence of an acoustic neuroma, a small, non-cancerous tumor about the size of a raisin, applying pressure to the primary nerve connecting Julie's ear to her brain.

“It’s like the covering of the wire that’s just growing out of control, and it damages hearing. It can get big enough to compress the brainstem,” explains Dr. Rick Friedman, a Neurotologist, Professor, and Director of the UC San Diego Health Acoustic Neuroma Program.

Dr. Friedman, along with neurosurgeon Mark Schwartz, specializes in the removal of these tumors. The challenge lies in taking out the tumor while preserving hearing and avoiding damage to facial nerves.

Julie expresses relief, saying, “I knew, immediately, that I had preserved my hearing.”

Though she won't regain the hearing she's lost, Julie feels fortunate that it won't deteriorate further. Her balance is improving, and she's gearing up for the upcoming soccer season.

Acoustic neuromas stem from the overproduction of Schwann cells in the nervous system. Depending on the tumor's size, patients have three options: observation to monitor growth, radiation, and surgery. Surgery is the sole method guaranteeing no additional hearing loss.

Julie's journey highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical attention. In her case, the collaboration between specialists ensured a successful surgery, maintaining her hearing and paving the way for a brighter future.