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What Is Acoustic Neuroma?
An acoustic neuroma is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor that develops from certain nerves in the inner ear. As an acoustic neuroma develops, it presses against the nerves related to balance and hearing, which can result in:
- One-sided or high-tone hearing loss
- Ringing in the ear
- Dizziness
- Problems with balance.
There are certain risk factors that may increase the chances of developing this tumor, including a person's age and a family history of neurofibromatosis type 2.
Acoustic neuromas, like other forms of tumors, can be treated with surgery or radiation therapy.
(Click Acoustic Neuroma for a more in-depth explanation of what an acoustic neuroma is, including detailed information about the different forms of acoustic neuroma, other potential symptoms, and ways to detect the tumor.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD