Living with single-sided deafness (SSD) can be frustrating. You may miss conversations on one side, have to constantly turn your head, and feel left out in group discussions. However, technology can help. In this post, I will share my experience with the Oticon CROS hearing aid that I received free through the NHS. I will […]
What Are CROS Hearing Aids and How Do They Help with Single-Sided Deafness? Read More »
This is a patient-to-patient account of the translabyrinthine approach. I am not a medical professional. I am sharing my experience and understanding in the hope that it helps others who are facing the same road. When I first saw the name, I could not even pronounce it — translabyrinthine. I still struggle to. It sounded
Understanding the Translabyrinthine Approach to Acoustic Neuroma Surgery Read More »
As promised with a reader, today I am offering a blend of insight and personal reflection on single-sided deafness caused by acoustic neuroma. Remember, my blogs are an attempt to make sense of my diagnosis and should not be considered medical advice. For diagnosis, treatment, or any health decisions, always consult medical professionals. The tumour,
Learning to Hear Again: Life with Single-Sided Deafness After Acoustic Neuroma Read More »
Living with an acoustic neuroma doesn’t just affect your hearing or balance—it can completely drain your energy. Fatigue is one of those life-altering symptoms of AN, which is often misunderstood and sometime confused with tiredness. This blog breaks it down into three key areas: 1. What Is Fatigue? Fatigue isn’t the same as being tired.
Living with the aftermath of acoustic neuroma surgery can be confusing, frustrating, and at times, deeply isolating. Some common symptoms include facial numbness, weakness in jaw, constant dryness in the eye, and a strange, salty or metallic taste that comes and goes. In my case, I also notice small cuts on my tongue and an
Understanding Facial Numbness, Dry Eye, and Taste Changes After Acoustic Neuroma Read More »
The invitation came from Mushtaq, a dear friend from Swat now settled in the UK. He welcomed us to Liverpool for a much-needed break — a chance to get out, breathe, and spend a day by the sea. I was not expecting anything extraordinary. But what followed would become a memorable day in my recovery
From Surgery to Sand: My Leap Back to Life Read More »
In my previous post, I explored how brain fog in acoustic neuroma (AN) is more than just a side effect of stress—it’s a genuine neurological phenomenon. Many of you shared your stories, and one theme stood out: “Now that I understand what’s happening, what can I do about it?” While you may be waiting for
Clearing the Haze: How to Cope with Mental Fog in Acoustic Neuroma Read More »
What Is Brain Fog—And How Do Anxiety and Depression Fit In? “Brain fog” is a term many people use to describe a frustrating mix of cognitive symptoms—sluggish thinking, memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and mental fatigue. It’s not a formal medical diagnosis, but it’s a very real experience that can disrupt daily life. Many people with
Brain Fog: It’s Not Just in Your Head, It’s in Your Brain Read More »
Yesterday, on 8th June 2025, something beautiful unfolded at Tittesworth Reservoir. Families arrived from across the country—Birmingham, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent—cars packed with people, food, laughter, and the promise of togetherness. We came with kids in the back seat, containers of biryani in the boot, and flasks of chai tucked between bags. Some of us hadn’t seen
After the Feast: A Rainy Walk, Warm Hearts, and the Road to Recovery Read More »
In a fast-paced world that often pushes us toward isolation, few things are more powerful than the act of storytelling. Stories connect us. They help us understand ourselves and each other. Whether whispered through tears or written in reflection, every story has the power to make someone feel seen, heard, and less alone. Why Stories
Building Community Through Shared Stories Read More »
