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Complications of Acoustic neuroma
It is important to talk to your doctor before having surgery so that you understand the risks involved. Surgery to remove an acoustic neuroma often results in complete hearing loss in the affected ear, due to the difficult nature of the operation. Surgeons are sometimes able to preserve some hearing in the ear being operated on, but this is rare. Talk to your GP or ENT specialist to find out more about the types of hearing aids that can help you.
Surgery does not always improve tinnitus, and some people find that it gets worse. Occasionally, tinnitus can occur for the first time following surgery.
Some people experience balance problems following surgery. This continues until the brain has learnt to compensate for the loss of the balancing mechanism in one ear. It can be a slow process. Your GP may be able to refer you to a specialist in balance disorders.
Surgery can occasionally cause partial facial paralysis because the facial nerve is very close to the hearing nerve. Any slight injury to the facial nerve can cause the face to droop or sag. It can also affect your sense of taste and ability to say some words, and the eye on the affected side may become watery or dry if you are unable to close your eyelids properly.
