I began to notice a loss in hearing in my right ear in about 2012. In 2015 I met with Rockwood ENT and began a long process to figure out what had caused the loss. In July of 2015, I found out that I have a tumor called an Acoustic Neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)*Picture above is my actual Tumor named Timmy Tatum aka "Baby Daddy". This kind of tumor is typically benign in nature and slow growing.  The tumor has damaged my hearing nerves, thankfully not my balance nerve. It has grown to the point where it is pushing on my brainstem.  I am met with two options of treatment, or a combination of both. Gamma Knife Radiation with NW Cancer Care to stop it's growth and potentialy shrink it, or Neurosurgery with Dr. Giddings and Dr. Ling to remove it before it begins to cause any more dammage.  I have already met with NW Cancer Care, next step on September 6th of 2016 is to meet with the Neurosurgeon. 

Now here's the fun stuff! I met with Columbia Hearing Center and was shown several options for Hearing Aid's. The hearing aid they had me test out was increddible! I was able to hear again. When she turned it on, I was kind of in shock. I could hear my fingers sliding over paper. I could hear my own voice again, in surround sound. It's amazing the small things in life we take for granted. This is just an ordinary hearing aid worn on my ear. The second option is a cranial bone implant that will resonate sound through my bone. This option is best looked into after surgery. Here's where it gets tricky. My currenty health plan does not have a hearing aid benefit, meaning they will not cover any of the cost. The hearing aid I have chosen, is best suited for my lifestyle. It will help me hear music better, help with conversation in noisy enviorments and many other applications.  

This hearing aid is called the Phonak Audeo V90. It is small, stylish and gave me something back I never imagined possible! It's over all cost of $3,000 is kind of scary, however I can't really put a price tag on my hearing. So I need your help. Anything you are willing to donate is much appreciated and will be recipricated with tons and tons of love! 

-Gavin James