Therefore, following surgery the patient hears only with the remaining good ear. Taste Disturbance and Mouth Dryness Taste disturbance and mouth dryness are not uncommon for a few weeks following surgery. In acoustic tumor surgery it is necessary to remove part or all of the balance nerve and, in most cases, to remove the inner ear balance mechanism. Because the balance nerve usually has ben damaged by the tumor, its removal frequently results in improvement in any preoperative unsteadiness. Dizziness may occur, nonetheless, following surgery and may be severe for days or a few weeks.
Some patients notice unsteadiness when fatigued for several years.
Facial Paralysis Acoustic tumors are in intimate contact with the facial nerve, the nerve which controls movement of the muscles which close the eyelids as well as the muscles of facial expression. Temporary paralysis of the face and muscles which close the eyelids is common following removal of an acoustic tumor. Weakness may persist for six to twelve months and there may be permanent residual weakness. Facial paralysis may result from nerve swelling or nerve damage. The facial nerve is usually compressed and distorted by the tumor in the internal auditory canal.