40 years Post-Op: Rosaline's Story
At thirty-nine, Rosaline’s life changed forever when an acoustic neuroma diagnosis led to a marathon surgery that left her with single-sided deafness, facial paralysis, and lasting challenges with vision and memory. What followed was not only a long physical recovery but also the unraveling of her marriage, the reinvention of her career, and a deep search for resilience. With courage, humour, and faith, Rosaline rebuilt her life—choosing to face limitations with determination, acceptance, and love. Now, forty years later, she shares her journey in the hope that others will feel less alone and more inspired to keep moving forward, even when the path wobbles.
Chelsea's AN Experience: From Diagnosis to Recovery
A PhD music student in Toronto first noticed tingling, facial zaps, and hearing changes on the left side of her head, which were initially attributed to overuse of her instrument. Months later, after careful monitoring and multiple opinions, she was diagnosed with a 2–2.5 cm acoustic neuroma. Following translabyrinthine surgery at Sunnybrook Hospital, she preserved her facial nerve and gradually regained balance and mobility. Now navigating the ongoing adjustments of single-sided deafness, she emphasizes the importance of support networks, patient education, and connecting with others who truly understand the acoustic neuroma journey.
Pat Greenwell’s Acoustic Neuroma Diary: Her AN Journey from 1997 to Now
After attributing dizziness and hearing loss to chemotherapy, a breast cancer survivor in Edmonton finally received a shocking diagnosis: a 3 cm acoustic neuroma with hydrocephalus. Following emergency shunt surgery and a 14-hour brain surgery in Toronto, she faced temporary facial paralysis, relearned balance, and embraced life with single-sided deafness. Today, she celebrates gratitude, family, and the joys of retirement on the BC coast.
What a Difference a Day Makes! Ruth's AN Journey
Diagnosed with a large acoustic neuroma in 2017, 49-year-old Ruth faced a year of emotional turmoil before undergoing successful surgery at Toronto Western. With the support of her family, surgeon, and the AN community, she’s embraced recovery and now encourages others to stay positive and trust their strength — because truly, what a difference a day makes.
Climbing Mountains, Embracing Technology: Living with Acoustic Neuroma
After acoustic neuroma surgery left him with single-sided deafness and balance issues, he’s faced challenges from stumbling into walls to nearly toppling off a ladder—but he hasn’t let it hold him back. With determination, he trained to hike Norway’s Pulpit’s Rock and conquered the 8-hour climb. Alongside these adventures, he shares how the Bonebridge implant has improved his hearing and energy, offering an honest look at both the pros and cons of life after surgery.
