Makayla's Sound-Saving Surgery for NF2: Auditory Brainstem Implant Safeguards Hearing

Makayla Christenson was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by the growth of noncancerous tumors of the nervous system. Almost all NF2 patients develop bilateral acoustic neuroma tumors (vestibular schwannomas) on the auditory nerves, which often leaves them with hearing loss in both ears. Fortunately, she was a candidate for an auditory brainstem implant (ABI), which will prevent her from living in total deafness. Learn about Makayla and her family’s journey to UC San Diego Health, where they partnered with a care team that gave them hope after her diagnosis.

Learn more about neurofibromatosis type 2 at:
https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/s...

Learn more about Dr. Rick Friedman at:
https://providers.ucsd.edu/details/32...

Learn more about Dr. Marc Schwartz at:
https://providers.ucsd.edu/details/32...

0:00 Intro Video
0:02 Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) Diagnosis
0:43 Auditory Brainstem Implant Option
1:06 Finding Acoustic Neuroma Program
2:10 Acoustic Neuroma Program Benefits
2:45 Why Choose UC San Diego Health
3:35 Life After Acoustic Neuroma Surgery