Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a rare tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. It can be benign, small, slow growing and with no symptoms or large, faster growing and aggressive and potentially fatal, presenting with symptoms of hearing and balance impairment, vertigo, ataxia, headache, numbness or paralysis of the face. Symptoms can include:
- Loss of hearing on one side
- Ringing in ears
- Dizziness and balance problems
Ear exams, hearing tests, and scans can show if you have acoustic neuroma.
If the tumor stays small, you may only need to have it checked regularly. If you do need treatment, surgery and radiation are options.
If the tumors affect both hearing nerves, it is often because of a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis.
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acoustic neuroma