Acoustic Neuroma

Slow growing benign tumor on the hearing nerve

Overview

Also called vestibular schwannoma, this benign tumor grows on the balance nerve where it exits the brainstem. Early signs are one sided hearing loss, tinnitus, and mild imbalance. Large tumors press on the brainstem and facial nerve. MRI detects it, often incidentally. Management options: observation with serial imaging for small tumors, since many barely grow, stereotactic radiosurgery to stop growth, or microsurgical removal. Hearing preservation is possible for small tumors. Bilateral acoustic neuromas indicate neurofibromatosis type 2.