Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)

Overview

These tumors grow slowly and press on hearing and balance nerves.

Options include watching, radiation, or surgery.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Hearing loss in one ear
• Trouble hearing
• Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears

Less common

• Ringing
• Dizziness
• Unsteadiness

When to get medical care

Causes

Unknown.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Adults 40 to 60: Most common
• People with NF2: Often on both sides

Possible complications

• Hearing loss: Usually on one side

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• MRI:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Hearing tests
• Use hearing aids

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor) and an audiologist (hearing specialist).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults 30 to 60: Most common.
• Adults 40 to 60: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Not cancer; most are controlled.

Treatment controls most.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Should we watch it or treat it?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)