An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is a benign (noncancerous) growth that develops on the vestibular nerve. The vestibular nerve is the connection between your inner ear and your brain that helps you balance. Pressure from the acoustic neuroma can cause a variety of audiological and other symptoms.
What Causes an Acoustic Neuroma?
Acoustic neuromas have been linked to a problem with a gene on chromosome 22. When functioning normally, this gene produces a protein that suppresses tumors and helps control the growth of the Schwann cells that cover the nerves.
What Are the Symptoms of an Acoustic Neuroma?
In many cases, the symptoms of acoustic neuroma develop slowly over time. Eventually, however, they can become severe. Common symptoms include:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Facial muscle weakness or numbness
Rarely an acoustic neuroma can grow large enough to put pressure on the brainstem, which can be life-threatening.
How Is an Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosed?
Because one of the primary symptoms of this condition is hearing loss, you’ll probably first undergo a battery of hearing tests, including pure tone audiometry, speech testing, auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) testing and tympanometry. You may also have to undergo balance tests such as electronystagmography (ENG), videonystagmography (VNG), posturography and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) testing.
If you are diagnosed with hearing loss and your audiologist believes an acoustic neuroma is to blame, they may refer you for imaging with an MRI or CT scan.
How Is an Acoustic Neuroma Treated?
Treatment for an acoustic neuroma depends on the size and growth, your overall health and the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Monitoring. For small, slow growing acoustic neuromas, your physician may just decide to monitor them.
- Surgery. If your acoustic neuroma is very large, growing rapidly or causing severe symptoms, surgery to remove it may be necessary.
- Radiation therapy. This option is an alternative to other options if you and your doctor decide not to proceed with surgery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today.