Causes of Acoustic Neuroma

The exact causes of acoustic neuroma are unknown. However, certain risk factors -- such as age and a family history of neurofibromatosis type 2 -- may make a person more likely to develop this condition. For more information about the possible causes of acoustic neuroma, talk to your healthcare provider.

 

Causes of Acoustic Neuroma: An Overview

No one knows the exact cause or causes of acoustic neuroma. Doctors cannot always explain why one person gets acoustic neuroma and another does not. However, acoustic neuroma research has shown that people with certain acoustic neuroma risk factors are more likely than others to develop acoustic neuroma. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.
 

Causes of Acoustic Neuroma: Know the Risk Factors

While not a cause of acoustic neuroma, studies have found a couple of factors that may increase the risk of acoustic neuroma. Specific risk factors of acoustic neuroma include:
 
  • Age
  • Family history of neurofibromatosis type 2.
     
Age
Most people develop acoustic neuroma between the ages of 30 and 60. The average age at diagnosis is 50.
 
Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the development of acoustic neuromas on both auditory nerves. The disease is also characterized by the development of malignant central nervous system tumors as well. Half of affected individuals have inherited neurofibromatosis from an affected parent and half seem to have a mutation for the first time in their family. Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the disorder.
 

Causes of Acoustic Neuroma: Summary

People who have known risk factors for acoustic neuroma do not always get acoustic neuroma. On the other hand, many who do get acoustic neuroma have none of these risk factors of acoustic neuroma. Acoustic neuroma research scientists do not know the causes of acoustic neuroma but they continue to search (see ##Acoustic Neuroma Gene##).
 
People who think they may be at risk of acoustic neuroma should discuss this concern with their doctor. The doctor may suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups. People over age 60 are at the highest risk, and should get an ear exam at least every two years.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD