Natalie Welch sharing her acoustic neuroma story — Natalie Welch

Hearing Loss, Brain Surgery and Life Afterwards

Natalie Welch was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, in 2009. What had originally been treated as recurring ear infections eventually turned out to be a brain tumour. Her diagnosis came just weeks before her wedding, changing what should have been one of the happiest periods of her life.

When we talk about brain tumour symptoms, headaches are often the first thing people think about.

But not everyone’s story starts with headaches.

For Natalie Welch, it began with problems affecting her ear and hearing.

For several years, her symptoms had been treated as ear infections, without anyone discovering the underlying cause.

It was only after moving to London and changing her GP that further investigations finally led to the diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma.

Natalie joined me on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show to share her experience of brain surgery, hearing loss and adapting to life after a brain tumour diagnosis.

Her story also highlights why persistent symptoms deserve to be investigated, even when the original explanation seems reasonable.

Watch Natalie tell her story in full in the Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show interview below, or keep reading for the written version

Link https://youtu.be/YUPCWAbh0ZU

In our conversation, Natalie shares how her brain tumour was eventually discovered, what happened during surgery, and how she adapted to changes in her hearing.

We also talk about motherhood, living in London with hearing loss, the importance of advocating for your health, and the people who helped her through diagnosis and recovery.

The Symptoms That Were Mistaken for Ear Infections

Natalie’s symptoms began in the early 2000s.

What initially appeared to be an ear infection developed into persistent problems with her hearing.

For a long time, the symptoms were not recognised as being caused by a brain tumour.

Hearing loss can be gradual, making it difficult to recognise how much has changed until everyday conversations become harder to follow.

Natalie’s experience shows how easy it can be for a problem to continue when the underlying cause has not yet been identified.

After moving to London and changing her GP, Natalie finally received further investigations.

Those investigations revealed that the problem was not simply recurring ear infections.

She had an acoustic neuroma.

Being Diagnosed With an Acoustic Neuroma in 2009

Natalie was diagnosed in 2009.

An acoustic neuroma, medically known as a vestibular schwannoma, is a usually non-cancerous tumour that develops on the nerve responsible for balance and closely associated with hearing.

Although these tumours are generally slow-growing, their location can make them difficult to treat, particularly when they become large enough to affect nearby nerves or brain structures.

For Natalie, surgery was recommended because of the tumour’s size and location.

Her diagnosis came at an especially emotional time.

She was preparing for her wedding, but suddenly had to think about brain surgery, recovery and what might happen afterwards.

There were only around eight weeks between her diagnosis and operation.

Instead of simply planning the future, Natalie was facing medical decisions that could affect the rest of her life.

Brain Surgery to Remove the Acoustic Neuroma

Natalie underwent surgery to remove her tumour.

The operation involved approaching the tumour through the area behind her ear.

During the procedure, surgeons also used tissue taken from her thigh as part of the surgical reconstruction.

One of the most important decisions involved protecting Natalie’s facial nerve.

Because acoustic neuromas can grow extremely close to the nerves controlling facial movement, removing every part of a tumour is not always the safest option.

In Natalie’s case, her surgeon deliberately left a tiny portion of the tumour behind to reduce the risk of damaging her facial nerve.

The decision was made to protect important functions rather than risk additional damage through complete removal.

It is something that can be difficult for patients to understand initially: a successful operation does not always mean that every last piece of tumour has been removed.

Sometimes leaving a small amount is the safest approach.

Recovery After Acoustic Neuroma Surgery

Natalie’s physical recovery was quicker than she had expected.

She speaks positively about the treatment and support she received from the NHS and the medical professionals caring for her.

Her family also played an important part in helping her through the experience.

But recovery from brain tumour surgery involves more than healing from an operation.

There is also the emotional impact of discovering you had a tumour, undergoing major surgery and adjusting to the changes that follow.

Returning to work and everyday life brought challenges of their own.

Natalie had to adapt to hearing loss while also processing everything that had happened.

For many brain tumour patients, this is an important distinction.

Someone may recover well physically while still facing adjustments that affect communication, confidence, relationships and their working life.

Living With Hearing Loss After an Acoustic Neuroma

One of the lasting effects of Natalie’s experience has been hearing loss.

Hearing is something many of us take for granted until it changes.

Everyday situations can suddenly become more complicated.

Following a conversation in a busy room, understanding someone when there is background noise or identifying where a sound is coming from can all become more difficult.

For Natalie, living in a busy city such as London has added challenges.

Traffic, public transport, crowds and everyday conversations can require extra concentration.

Hearing loss is not always visible to other people, which can sometimes make communication more frustrating.

People may assume someone can hear them clearly because there is no obvious outward sign of a hearing difficulty.

Natalie’s experience highlights why awareness of hearing loss is just as important as awareness of brain tumours themselves.

Natalie and Her Son Alfie: Understanding Each Other’s Challenges

One of the most personal parts of our conversation is Natalie’s relationship with her son, Alfie, who is partially sighted.

Natalie lives with hearing loss, while Alfie experiences visual impairment.

Together, they have developed ways of understanding and navigating each other’s challenges.

Humour plays an important role in their family life.

Rather than allowing their differences to define what they cannot do, Natalie describes how they work together and adapt to everyday situations.

Their experiences also offer an important reminder.

Disability does not always look the way other people expect it to.

Someone can be confident, independent and capable while still needing particular adjustments or additional understanding.

And sometimes the people who best understand those needs are those who are navigating their own challenges.

Why Advocating for Your Health Matters

Natalie’s diagnosis did not happen immediately.

Her hearing problems had been present for some time before the acoustic neuroma was discovered.

During our interview, she discusses the importance of speaking up when something does not feel right.

If symptoms continue despite treatment, asking for further investigation or another medical opinion can be worthwhile.

This does not mean assuming every ear infection or hearing problem is a brain tumour.

Most hearing difficulties have other explanations.

But unexplained or persistent hearing loss, particularly when it affects one ear, deserves proper assessment.

Natalie also speaks about how advances in hearing technology can help people adapt after hearing loss.

Audiology services, hearing devices and support from people with similar experiences can make a meaningful difference.

Changing the Way We Think About Labels

Natalie has also shared her experiences in a TEDx talk about reimagining labels.

The talk explores the different ways labels can affect our lives and how they can sometimes be used to understand ourselves rather than limit us.

For someone who has experienced a brain tumour diagnosis and hearing loss, labels can take on different meanings.

They may help explain why someone experiences particular difficulties.

They may also create assumptions about what that person can or cannot do.

Natalie’s approach is to recognise her experiences without allowing them to define everything about her.

Her perspective brings another dimension to her brain tumour story.

Life after diagnosis is not simply about surviving an operation.

It is also about identity, confidence, communication and finding a way to move forward.

The People Who Supported Natalie

Natalie speaks warmly about the people who helped her during diagnosis, surgery and recovery.

In particular, she expresses gratitude to her mother for the support she has given her throughout her life and during difficult periods.

She is also grateful to the NHS and the surgical team who treated her acoustic neuroma.

For many people facing brain surgery, family members and healthcare professionals become an essential source of reassurance.

Their support can make an enormous difference, especially when someone is trying to understand an unfamiliar diagnosis or facing uncertainty about recovery.

What We Can Learn From Natalie’s Story

Natalie’s experience highlights several things that are important for people affected by brain tumours.

Persistent hearing problems should not be ignored.
Acoustic neuroma symptoms can develop slowly and may initially be mistaken for other conditions.
A non-cancerous tumour can still require complex brain surgery.
Surgeons may deliberately leave a small amount of tumour to protect important nerves.
Recovery can involve emotional and practical challenges even when the operation goes well.
Hearing loss can affect work, relationships and everyday communication.
Support from family, healthcare professionals and others living with hearing loss can make a difference.

Every acoustic neuroma journey is different, but sharing these experiences can help other patients feel less alone.

Natalie’s Message: Life After an Acoustic Neuroma

Natalie’s story began with hearing problems that nobody initially recognised as being caused by a brain tumour.

It took time to find answers.

Then came the diagnosis, an operation just weeks before her wedding, and the challenge of adapting to life afterwards.

But her story is also about the people who supported her, her relationship with Alfie and her determination to approach life with humour and perspective.

By sharing her experience, Natalie is helping other people understand that even a non-cancerous brain tumour can have lasting effects.

And that life after brain tumour surgery is not simply about what happened in hospital.

It is about learning, adapting and continuing to live a full life on your own terms.

@diaryofa_strongwoman

About Natalie’s Tumour: Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a usually benign (non-cancerous) tumour that grows from Schwann cells surrounding the vestibular nerve.

This nerve helps carry balance information from the inner ear to the brain and runs alongside the hearing nerve.

Acoustic neuromas generally grow slowly. However, they can still cause significant symptoms because they affect the nerves involved in hearing and balance.

Larger tumours may press on nearby nerves or brain structures.

What Are the Symptoms of an Acoustic Neuroma?

Symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the tumour.

Common symptoms include:

Hearing loss, usually affecting one ear
Tinnitus, such as ringing or buzzing in the ear
Dizziness or vertigo
Problems with balance
A feeling of fullness in the ear

Larger tumours can sometimes cause facial numbness or weakness, headaches and other neurological symptoms.

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and many of these problems can have causes unrelated to a brain tumour.

However, persistent or unexplained hearing loss should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

How Is an Acoustic Neuroma Treated?

Treatment depends on the size of the tumour, whether it is growing, the symptoms it causes and the person’s overall health.

Active monitoring: Small or slow-growing tumours may be monitored with regular MRI scans.

Brain surgery: Surgery may be recommended for larger tumours, tumours causing significant symptoms or those that are continuing to grow.

Stereotactic radiosurgery: Focused radiation treatment may be used in selected cases to help prevent tumour growth.

The treatment team will discuss the benefits and risks of each option.

Because acoustic neuromas are located close to important nerves, treatment can sometimes affect hearing, balance or facial movement.

Rehabilitation, hearing support and follow-up appointments may be needed after treatment.

Support for People With Acoustic Neuroma and Hearing Loss

If you have been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, there are organisations that can offer information, emotional support and practical advice.

British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA)

Website: https://www.bana-uk.com/

BANA is a UK charity dedicated to supporting people affected by acoustic neuroma.

It offers information, support and opportunities to connect with people who understand the diagnosis.

The Brain Tumour Charity

Website: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/

Provides information about brain tumour diagnoses, treatment and recovery, along with emotional and practical support for patients and families.

Brainstrust

Website: https://brainstrust.org.uk/

Offers personalised support to people affected by brain tumours, including help navigating treatment decisions and living with the effects of a diagnosis.

RNID

Website: https://rnid.org.uk/

RNID supports people who are deaf, have hearing loss or experience tinnitus.

Its resources cover hearing technology, communication, accessibility and everyday life with hearing difficulties.

NHS Audiology and Rehabilitation Services

For people experiencing hearing loss after acoustic neuroma treatment, audiology services may help assess suitable hearing technology and communication support.

Vestibular physiotherapy may also be useful where balance problems are affecting daily life.

Ask your GP or specialist team about appropriate referrals.

Natalie’s Acoustic Neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) Story