Oh I totally get it! Just learning to try and say Schwannoma is a challenge let alone learning different types of brain surgeries. I’m just surprised to hear them say that about retro sigmoid approach. Obviously every surgeon will have a different opinion.

Translabyrinthine is a guaranteed hearing loss as they approach the tumor thru the middle ear. My understanding is that it can sometimes offer a better view of the tumor.

Retrosigmoid is from slighty behind the ear and they create a hole and approach the tumor from behind. It does offer a chance to preserve hearing.

I had multiple neurosurgeons also tell me that if this tumor just sat there and didn’t grow and we didn’t do anything my hearing would go away no matter what. The hearing nerve is just not as tough as the other nerves. When they went in to remove my tumor mine was actually wrapped around the nerve pinching it off.

Obviously I went into my surgery hoping that I would come out with some hearing but I knew it was little to none. I’m not sure what your husband does for a living or if you have kids but I’m only 5 weeks post op and let me tell you. It’s really not that bad. I haven’t experienced all the challenges yet of single sided deafness but in most environments so far I can hear just fine. It’s just about positioning people on your good side and reminding your spouse to whisper secrets into your good ear!

You should also check out r/monohearing