Learn About Acoustic Neuroma

What is the definition of Acoustic Neuroma?

An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This nerve is called the vestibular cochlear nerve. It is behind the ear, right under the brain.

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. However, it can damage several important nearby nerves as it grows.

What are the alternative names for Acoustic Neuroma?

Vestibular schwannoma; Tumor - acoustic; Cerebellopontine angle tumor; Angle tumor; Hearing loss - acoustic; Tinnitus - acoustic

What are the causes of Acoustic Neuroma?

Acoustic neuromas have been linked with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

Acoustic neuromas are uncommon.

What are the symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma?

The symptoms vary, based on the size and location of the tumor. Because the tumor grows so slowly, symptoms most often start after age 30.

Common symptoms include:

  • Abnormal feeling of movement (vertigo)
  • Hearing loss in the affected ear that makes it hard to hear conversations
  • Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear

Less common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty understanding speech
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Loss of balance
  • Numbness in the face or one ear
  • Pain in the face or one ear
  • Weakness of the face or facial asymmetry
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What are the current treatments for Acoustic Neuroma?

Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, your age, and your overall health. You and your provider must decide whether to watch the tumor without treatment, use radiation treatment to stop it from growing, or try to remove it.

Many acoustic neuromas are small and grow very slowly. Small tumors with few or no symptoms may be watched for changes, especially in older people. Regular MRI scans will be done.

If not treated, some acoustic neuromas can:

  • Damage the nerves involved in hearing and balance
  • Place pressure on nearby brain tissue
  • Harm the nerves responsible for movement and feeling in the face
  • Lead to a buildup of fluid (hydrocephalus) in the brain (with very large tumors)

Removing an acoustic neuroma is more commonly done for:

  • Larger tumors
  • Tumors that are causing symptoms
  • Tumors that are growing quickly
  • Tumors that are pressing on the brain

Surgery or a type of radiation treatment is done to remove the tumor and prevent other nerve damage. Depending on the type of surgery performed, hearing can sometimes be preserved.

  • The surgical technique to remove an acoustic neuroma is called microsurgery. A special microscope and small, precise instruments are used. This technique offers a higher chance of cure.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery focuses high-powered x-rays on a small area. It is a form of radiation therapy, not a surgical procedure. It may be used to slow down or stop the growth of tumors that are hard to remove with surgery. It may also be done to treat people who are unable to have surgery, such as older adults or people who are very sick.

Removing an acoustic neuroma can damage the acoustic or other nerves. This may cause loss of hearing or weakness in the face muscles. This damage is more likely to occur when the tumor is large.

Who are the top Acoustic Neuroma Local Doctors?
Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology

University Head And Neck Surgeons

101 The City Dr S, Bldg 25, 
Orange, CA 
 9.2 mi

Hamid Djalilian is an Otolaryngologist in Orange, California. Dr. Djalilian and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acoustic Neuroma. His top areas of expertise are Tinnitus, Facial Paralysis, Cholesteatoma, Myringotomy, and Mastoidectomy.

Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology

University Head And Neck Surgeons

101 The City Dr S, Bldg 25, 
Orange, CA 
 9.2 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Sepehr Oliaei is an Otolaryngologist in Orange, California. Dr. Oliaei and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acoustic Neuroma. His top areas of expertise are Sialadenitis, Salivary Duct Stones, Sinusitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Septoplasty. Dr. Oliaei is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology

University Head And Neck Surgeons

101 The City Dr S, Bldg 25, 
Orange, CA 
 9.2 mi
Offers Telehealth

Harrison Lin is an Otolaryngologist in Orange, California. Dr. Lin and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acoustic Neuroma. His top areas of expertise are Tinnitus, Schwannoma, Infant Hearing Loss, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Myringotomy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Acoustic Neuroma?

An acoustic neuroma is not cancer. The tumor does not spread to other parts of the body. However, it may continue to grow and press on structures in the skull.

People with small, slow-growing tumors may not need treatment.

Hearing loss present before treatment is not likely to return after surgery or radiosurgery. In cases of smaller tumors, hearing loss that occurs after surgery may return.

Most people with small tumors will have no permanent weakness of the face after surgery. However, people with large tumors are more likely to have some permanent weakness of the face after surgery.

Signs of nerve damage such as loss of hearing or weakness of the face may be delayed after radiosurgery.

In most cases, brain surgery can completely remove the tumor.

When should I contact a medical professional for Acoustic Neuroma?

Contact your provider if you have:

  • Hearing loss that is sudden or getting worse
  • Ringing in one ear
  • Dizziness (vertigo)
What are the latest Acoustic Neuroma Clinical Trials?
Radiosurgery Induced Ototoxicity in Patients Treated for a Vestibular Schwannoma

Summary: The investigators aim to study the impact of stereotactic radiosurgery, for the treatment of vestibular Schwannoma, on the cochlear, vestibular, gustatory, and facial nerve functions and compare it with a conservatively treated group. The predictive value of radiological tumor characteristics on hearing preservation and vestibular function will be also evaluated. Additionally, the investigators wi...

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Evaluating Pre-Treatment Vestibular Physical Therapy Rehab for Patients with Vestibular Schwannomas

Summary: The study is a pilot efficacy study. The investigators aim to estimate mean baseline and post-treatment balance scores among Vestibular Schwannomas (VS) patients undergoing pretreatment rehab (PREHAB) or no PREHAB when managed with either surgery or radiosurgery.

What are the Latest Advances for Acoustic Neuroma?
Hearing Preservation Outcomes in 230 Consecutive Patients with Small Vestibular Schwannomas Treated with Microsurgery.
Comparing the Accuracy and Reliability of ABC/2 and Planimetry for Vestibular Schwannoma Volume Assessment.
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Hemorrhagic Risk in Vestibular Schwannoma Surgeries: Insights and Implications.
Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 02, 2024
Published By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Arriaga MA, Brackmann DE. Neoplasms of the posterior fossa. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 179.

DeAngelis LM. Tumors of the central nervous system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 180.

Mellinghoff IK, DeAngelis LM. Tumors of the central nervous system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 175.