Acoustic neuroma

Introduction

Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor that develops adjacent to your brain on a portion of the eighth cranial nerve, which runs from your brain to your inner ear and controls balance and hearing. Also known as vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neuroma is one of the most common types of brain tumors. However, these tumors are rare, occurring in about one person in 100,000.

The signs and symptoms of acoustic neuroma, including hearing loss, develop from the tumor pressing on the hearing portion of the eighth nerve. The tumor also may press on the brainstem. In rare cases, an acoustic neuroma may grow large enough to compress the brainstem and be life-threatening.

Most acoustic neuromas grow slowly, often taking years to become large enough to cause signs and symptoms. Most likely to develop in people between ages 30 and 60, acoustic neuromas are rare in children.

For some people, the tumor remains so small it never causes problems. You may need no treatment other than regular monitoring by your doctor. If you need treatment, you may have options, including radiosurgery and surgical removal.