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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe signs and symptoms of acoustic neuroma develop from the tumor pressing on the adjacent nerves, nearby blood vessels or brain structures.
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.
You may experience signs and symptoms such as:
- 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
- Unsteadiness, loss of balance
- Dizziness (vertigo)
- Facial numbness and weakness
In rare cases, an acoustic neuroma may grow large enough to compress the brainstem and threaten your life.
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if you notice any hearing loss, ringing in your ear or trouble with your 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.
- Acoustic neuroma. American Hearing Research Foundation. http://american-hearing.org/disorders/acoustic-neuroma/. Accessed Dec. 13, 2012.
- Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) and neurofibromatosis. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/acoustic_neuroma.aspx. Accessed Dec. 13, 2012.
- Park JK, et al. Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 13, 2012.
- Evans DG. Neurofibromatosis type 2. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 18, 2012.
- Hearing testing. American Hearing Research Foundation. http://american-hearing.org/disorders/hearing-testing/. Accessed Dec. 13, 2012.
- Vestibular testing. American Hearing Research Foundation. http://american-hearing.org/disorders/vestibular-testing/. Accessed Dec. 13, 2012.
- McDonald R. Acoustic neuroma: What the evidence says about evaluation and treatment. The Journal of Family Practice. 2011;60:E1.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with vestibular schwannomas. International RadioSurgery Association. http://www.irsa.org/acoustic_neuroma.html. Accessed Dec. 13, 2012.
- Support group overview. Acoustic Neuroma Association. http://www.anausa.org/index.php/support-groups. Accessed Dec. 19, 2012.
- Caregivers overview. Acoustic Neuroma Association. http://www.anausa.org/index.php/caregivers. Accessed Dec. 19, 2012.
- Neff BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 26, 2013.
- Carlson ML, et al. Long-term audiometric outcomes following low-dose stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: Patterns of hearing loss and variables influencing audiometric decline. Journal of Radiosurgery. In press. Accessed Feb. 27, 2013.
- U.S. News best hospitals 2012-2013. U.S. News & World Report. http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings. Accessed Feb. 27, 2013.
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