The TV and radio presenter’s openness about her benign brain tumour is raising awareness of rare hearing-related conditions
Kirsty Gallacher is fast becoming a role model for those suffering from hearing-related illness. The 49-year-old Gold radio presenter recently showed she will not let it curtail her life as she attended a glittering industry awards event.
Earlier this autumn Gallacher revealed she is preparing for radiotherapy after being diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a benign tumour located on or near the hearing and balance cranial nerve. In a candid Instagram post, she shared a photo of a needle in her arm and joked about her “Hannibal Lecter” radiotherapy mask, giving followers an honest glimpse into her treatment journey.
Living with hearing loss
Gallacher was first diagnosed four years ago and has since spoken openly about the tinnitus and hearing loss caused by the tumour. She explained on programmes such as Loose Women and The Vanessa Feltz Show that the tumour is inoperable due to its position, meaning surgery would carry significant risks. Instead, she has chosen radiotherapy as a less invasive option, though she delayed treatment until now.
She has described how the condition affects her daily life, particularly in noisy settings where she relies on lip reading and sometimes leaves events early because of the strain of processing sound.
Understanding acoustic neuroma
An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is a benign and slow-growing tumour that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance.
While non-cancerous, its growth can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness, and in some cases facial numbness or weakness. Treatment varies depending on tumour size and symptoms, ranging from observation to radiotherapy or surgery.
Broader impact and support
Gallacher’s openness has highlighted the challenges of living with chronic sensory conditions, particularly for people in public-facing roles. Her story has also encouraged wider discussions about workplace support for those managing long-term health issues, including hearing impairments and women’s health concerns such as menopause.
“Hearing and balance disorders caused by acoustic neuroma can have a profound impact on everyday life,” said Irene Wong, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®. “While symptoms such as reduced or fluctuating hearing, tinnitus in one ear, or vertigo attacks should always be checked by a hearing specialist, acoustic neuromas are very rare. In most cases, these symptoms are caused by much more common and treatable conditions. But either way, getting these symptoms checked by a specialist is the best course of action.”
References
Kirsty Gallacher makes first appearance since revealing she is undergoing treatment for ear tumour as she celebrates Global's Make Some Noise Day - Daily Mail article about Gallacher’s appearance on the red carpet
Kirsty Gallacher speaks out about hearing loss and tinnitus - An earlier piece from Hearology® detailing Gallacher’s hearing-related condition
Can hearing loss be a warning sign of a brain tumour? - Times of India article about how hearing loss can be a warning sign of serious conditions like acoustic neuroma, a rare brain tumour
