Hearing preservation after classical translabyrinthine removal of a vestibular schwannoma: case report and literature review

The translabyrinthine approach is one of the favoured access routes for removal of vestibular schwannomas; however, total hearing loss in the operated ear is a predictable consequence. Here, we report a case in which a patient maintained serviceable hearing almost six years after classic translabyrinthine surgery. Possible explanations for the hearing preservation are discussed, as well as the feasibility of a modified translabyrinthine approach in attempting preservation of hearing following vestibular schwannoma surgery.