Hearing preservation in acoustic neuroma surgery

This article reviews the Montreal experience of hearing preservation in aco ustic neuroma surgery. The medical records since 1995 of 36 patients who un derwent acoustic neuroma extirpation with the intent to preserve hearing we re examined. Intraoperative monitoring was conducted using auditory brainst em response measurement with electrocochleography via a transtympanic elect rode. The role of intraoperative monitoring in guiding surgical technique a nd its correlation with postoperative hearing outcome are discussed. A revi ew of the literature regarding hearing preservation in acoustic neuroma sur gery is included.