A Music Lover Seeks Treatment for an Acoustic Neuroma

The child of two piano teachers and the brother of a professional cellist, Davidson learned from an early age that listening intently to melodies, harmonies and rhythm could yield both inspiration and insight. So, it seemed fitting that music would play a central role in revealing the presence of a serious health challenge for Davidson.

“I’m a real audiophile, and I have quality hi-fi equipment around the house. One afternoon in March of 2024, I was streaming ‘Riders on the Storm’ by The Doors, and I noticed that when the radio was to my right, I could hear everything perfectly, but if I turned around and passed it to my left, I wasn’t getting the cymbals,” Davidson said. “It was a clear sign to me that something was wrong with my hearing, and I made a doctor’s appointment to investigate.”

Before long, he had a diagnosis: a slow-growing acoustic neuroma. Davidson’s physician told him eliminating the tumor would require a specialized surgery not available where he lived—in Lompoc, on California’s Central Coast—and he decided to seek treatment about 150 miles south, at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.

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“From the moment of my initial meeting with Dr. Mia Miller and Dr. John Yu, I had no doubt Cedars-Sinai was where I wanted to follow up,” Davidson said. “Getting to know them, and seeing their results with the Acoustic Neuroma and Lateral Skull Base Tumor Program, inspired so much confidence. It was clear this was the place for me.”

In consultation with Miller and Yu, Davidson initially opted for an approach known as “watchful waiting”—keeping close tabs on his vestibular schwannoma through frequent imaging and doctor visits. But as his hearing worsened, he and his wife determined that surgery would be a better path for him, and they scheduled the procedure for December 2025.

“I’m 71 years old, and I’m not getting any younger,” Davidson said. “I was worried about what health surprises might lie down the road, and it made sense to take care of this one while I was still in good health.”

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The successful surgery at Cedars-Sinai—which lasted nearly eight hours—had no complications, with total preservation of the nerve once the tumor had been removed. Davidson attributes the outcome to the skill and expertise of the team responsible for his care.

“Cedars-Sinai is a remarkable place, and Dr. Miller and Dr. Yu have built up a wonderful crew there,” he said. “I can’t say enough about how positive my experience was and how thrilled I am with the result.”

Today, Davidson is back to enjoying music on his hi-fi audio player—including “Riders on the Storm.”

“I still can’t catch the cymbals, but my hearing loss is confined to certain frequencies, and I hear everything else great,” he said. “Thanks to Cedars-Sinai, I can rest easy knowing I’ll be able to appreciate those sounds, without worrying about future impairment, for many years to come.”

Fred Davidson’s Playlist

As an ardent music fan, Fred Davidson listens to a wide range of genres. His tastes span from classical to jazz to psychedelic rock. A sampling of the vinyl currently taking a spin on his turntable:

• “Solea” and “Concierto de Aranjuez,” Sketches of Spain, Miles Davis, arranged and conducted by Gil Evans

• “In the Fen Country,” composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, The New Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult