Woman hears ringing in her ears, blames stress-then learns terrifying truth
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- Melony Aponte, a Chicago woman, experienced subtle symptoms such as mild hearing loss, tinnitus, anxiety, and migraines for five years before being diagnosed with a rare acoustic neuroma brain tumor at age 26.
- Initially dismissed as earwax buildup and stress-related issues, her symptoms worsened over time, including balance problems, facial numbness, and severe panic attacks, prompting further medical evaluation.
- In March 2025, an MRI revealed a 4.5-centimeter tumor pressing on her hearing and balance nerves; she underwent a 13-hour surgery removing 99% of the tumor but is now partially deaf in her left ear.
- Aponte's recovery involved relearning basic functions like walking and eating, but she has since regained a positive outlook on life and enjoys food again despite her hearing loss.