Acoustic Neuroma

Since around May 2008 I have been noticing that I have been having trouble hearing out of my right ear.  I can hear fine, I just dont hear as well out of my right ear as out of my left ear.  I do have a history of sinus problems (stuffy nose everyday), and for a while I was constantly using Afrin.  I went to an ENT and I took a hearing test.  I was right, although I can hear out of my right ear I dont hear out of it as well as out of my left ear, and he did notice that I had hearing loss (not a grave amount).  He recommended that I get a CT to see what it was that could be causing the hearing loss, if it is anything at all.  I was okay with that up until the MRI place called me to confirm my appointment for a CT to check hearing loss and ACOUSTIC NEUROMA.  I had no clue what that was so I looked it up and immidiately became worried.  I know that hearing loss is a symptom of Acoustic Neuroma but is it possible that I can have a benign tumor on one of my nerves?   I dont get headaches frequently, I only get dizzy after I work, out strenuously or when I dont eat enough.  I dont have Tinnitus.  And my motor skills are fine.  If this is the case, why would he tell me that there can be that possibilty.  Is it common?  I am having the CT next week and i am very worried about what they may find.  Perhaps they will find another tumor.  Is it possible that other kinds of tumor affect hearing loss the same way that Acoustic Neuroma does?

Please get back to me.  I am a healthy 35 year old man who is very worried about this situation.

Thank you.

[arushi1]

I have had an acoustic neuroma treated in 2005 and it was found by an ENT who ordered an MRI with and without contrast as my complaint was hearing loss.  I was told this was "protocol" to rule out a tumor.  I felt he was wasting his and my time, but followed through and I was surprised when I received the diagnosis.  I did have for years, tinnitus, mild hearing loss that was diagnosed previously as "age-related" or "loud noise" induced.  I am wondering if your ENT suspects acoustic neuroma why he is using a CT as most doctors know a CT is not the diagnostic tool to diagnose acoustic neuroma as most tumors of this kind will not show.  An MRI WITH gandolinium constrast is the only way to rule out this tumor.  Hope this helps.