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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe signs and symptoms of acoustic neuroma develop from a tumor pressing on cranial nerves.
As the tumor grows, it may be more likely to cause signs and symptoms, although tumor size doesn't always determine effects. It's possible for a small tumor to cause significant signs and symptoms. In many cases, however, a small tumor of less than about six-tenths of an inch — about 1.5 centimeters (cm) — may cause no signs or symptoms. Some tumors grow as large as about 2.5 inches (more than 6 cm).
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Hearing loss, usually gradual — although in some cases sudden — and occurring on only one side or more pronounced on one side
- Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear
- Dizziness (vertigo)
- Loss of balance
- Facial numbness and weakness
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.
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if you notice hearing loss, particularly in one ear, or develop ringing in your ear, dizziness or have trouble with balance. Early diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma may help keep the tumor from growing large enough to cause serious consequences, such as total hearing loss or a life-threatening buildup of fluid within your skull.
