Patients with a vestibular schwannoma and good hearing are often advised to observe the tumour. A strategy of watchful waiting with follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is then suggested. This option is considered in the light that a number of vestibular schwannomas, when discovered, may not grow. An intervention at this stage, especially with larger

I was recently privileged to attend a most prestigious window approach workshop cochlear implantation course in Poland. Window in this context refers to the round window membrane of the inner ear although it can also be seen in a philosophical way as a window of opportunity to preserve residual hearing. This 30th workshop was again

Meniere’s disease (MD) may well be caused by middle ear muscles behaving badly. This debilitating inner ear disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus and ear fullness of which the trigger is still unknown. The concept of endolymphatic hydrops (raise in the fluid pressure of the inner ear) is commonly accepted to be

Ear acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine where small sterile needles are inserted into the external ear (pinna). I do not practice this technique but please ignore me for a moment and read on. Acupuncture has been an integral part of Chinese medicine for over 2500 years. It has been used to treat different

Are cell phones responsible for vestibular schwannomas, I am often asked.  A vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) is a tumour that originates on the hearing and balance nerve. Cell phones have become an indispensable part of human life. It is nearly unheard of any young person not in possession of one. Even smaller children carry them

The latest cochlear implant from MED-EL, the Synchrony, allows for MRI of up to 3 Tesla. It is the only cochlear implant (CI) on the market capable of doing so. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can now be performed without first having to surgically remove the magnet of the device.  The implant also does not need

Recently an episode of a new television documentary was filmed by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai)) in the rooms of Dr Hofmeyr in Pretoria. They conducted an interview with Mr. Timothy Dreyer, a patient with sclerosteosis, while Dr H Hamersma was present. Dr H Hamersma, now retired, is one of the world experts

BPPV leads to falls in the elderly. BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of vertigo and dizziness in patients. It is often referred to as “loose crystals” in the ear by physicians. In especially the elderly population, BPPV increases the risk of falling. BPPV is the most common form of vertigo,

With the school holidays close at hand and a lot of people about to travel I am often asked what the risk of vertigo during travelling is. Many patients that suffer with dizziness, vertigo or vestibular disorders have a fear of travelling, of getting sick, suffering vertigo attacks and feeling miserable afterwards. This is a

Cochlear implantation for vestibular schwannoma (VS) may be a viable option to improve hearing. There is strong evidence in the literature that VS patients benefit and use their implants. Results compare well with other patients who have been implanted for single sided deafness (SSD). The cochlear implant (CI) can be inserted during the primary surgical removal of