Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma (also known as a vestibular schwannoma or acoustic neurinoma) is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor on the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. Both hearing and balance may be affected.

A typical symptom of an acoustic neuroma is one-sided hearing loss or intense ringing in the ear. Acoustic neuromas may also cause a period of unsteadiness or imbalance, and in later stages, facial numbness or paralysis.

Acoustic neuromas are rare. Only about 2,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Early detection is crucial but sometimes difficult because symptoms may be subtle or not present, and are shared in common with many middle and inner ear problems. Typical diagnostic methods include audiograms, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imagery (MRI).

Most acoustic neuromas are removed by microsurgery. Other options, including various types of radiation therapy (often called radiosurgery) are also available. Radiosurgery is often preferred for elderly patients or patients in poor health. For very fragile patients, it may be preferable to monitor the tumor with repeated MRIs. Each type of treatment entails some risk of permanent change in hearing, balance, and facial motion. Some people may experience imbalance for several months after surgery.

From VEDA publication F-8, Acoustic Neuroma.