In sunny San Diego, California, Julie Sifford and her daughter Eliza are inseparable companions. However, life took an unexpected turn for Julie when she started experiencing dizziness, making everyday activities more challenging.
"I noticed this ringing in my ear, tinnitus, that just kept getting louder over time. I also had some hearing loss in my left ear and just thought it was part of getting older," Julie recalls.
A visit to the doctor and an MRI scan uncovered the mystery – an acoustic neuroma. This small, non-cancerous tumor, about the size of a raisin, was pressing on the main nerve connecting Julie's ear to her brain.
"It's like the covering of the wire that's growing out of control, damaging hearing. It can even get big enough to compress the brainstem," explains Dr. Rick Friedman, MD, PhD, a Neurotologic Professor & Director of the UC San Diego Health Acoustic Neuroma Program.
Dr. Friedman and neurosurgeon Mark Schwartz specialize in removing these tumors. The key is to take out the tumor, preserving hearing while avoiding damage to facial nerves.
Julie expresses with relief, "I knew right away that I had saved my hearing."
Though she won't regain the hearing she's lost, Julie considers herself lucky that it won't worsen. Her balance is getting better, and she's eagerly anticipating the next soccer season.
Acoustic neuromas result from the overproduction of Schwann cells in the nervous system. Depending on the tumor's size, patients have three choices – monitor its growth, opt for radiation, or undergo surgery. Surgery is the only guarantee to prevent further hearing loss.
In the end, Julie's story emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing symptoms early, ensuring timely intervention for a brighter and more balanced future.
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