Comprehensive Care for Acoustic Neuroma from Specialists

Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors, meaning they are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. Acoustic neuromas develop on the eighth cranial nerve (one of your brain nerves), also called the vestibulocochlear nerve. For this reason, acoustic neuromas are also referred to as vestibular schwannomas. This cranial nerve controls hearing and balance. Problems with hearing and balance may be symptoms of an acoustic neuroma.

What Is an Acoustic Neuroma?

Acoustic Neuroma Symptoms We Treat

• Hearing loss on one side that can develop slowly over time
• Problems with balance and steadiness, which can lead to falling
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• The sensation of fullness in the ears, which can be compared to feeling like there is water in your ear

If left untreated, acoustic neuromas can cause issues such as headaches, complete hearing loss in one ear, severe vertigo, excess fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus) and more.

What Are the Symptoms of an Acoustic Neuroma?

Types of Acoustic Neuromas

Most acoustic neuromas only occur on one side of your head, and in most cases the cause is unknown. However, in 5% of cases, acoustic neuromas can develop on both sides (bilaterally) and are caused by a rare genetic mutation called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

Acoustic Neuroma Treatments We Offer

Although acoustic neuromas have a generally favorable prognosis, we know that choosing the right treatment center and surgeon is important for optimal outcomes. We offer a treatment plan that is personalized to you, which could feature a combination of therapies we offer such as surgery, radiation therapy, vestibular therapy, chemotherapy, observation and rehabilitation.

There are three main surgery types for removing an acoustic neuroma, which we offer:

• Middle fossa craniotomy: Incision behind the ear
• Retrosigmoid craniotomy: Incision above the ear
• Translabyrinthine craniotomy: Incision above the ear, where some ear bone is removed. Usually only used for large acoustic neuromas.

We strive to preserve hearing and have high rates of hearing preservation among our patients. However, if hearing loss persists, we also specialize in cochlear implants, an alternative for people with severe hearing loss who don’t hear better with a hearing aid. If you are eligible for cochlear implants, our doctors will evaluate you to determine whether you can have the implantation during acoustic neuroma removal surgery or after surgery. Before surgery, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.