A detailed description of acoustic neuroma: the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment methods.For more information, please visit www.everydayhearing.com

1. What is Acoustic Neuroma?

2. Acoustic neuroma (AN) is a benign
(noncancerous) tumor located on the
vestibulocochlear nerve.
Acoustic NeuromaOuter Ear
Middle Ear
Vestibulocochlear
Nerve
Inner Ear

3. Vestibulocochlear Nerve
The vestibulocochlear nerve is made up of the cochlear
nerve and the vestibular nerve. It is the 8th cranial nerve
(CN VIII). It connects the inner ear organs to the
brainstem and is responsible for relaying auditory and
balance information to the brain.

4. What are the symptoms of AN?
• Unilateral hearing loss that is typically
more pronounced in the high frequencies.
• Tinnitus
• Feeling of fullness in the ear
• Vertigo
• Dizziness or imbalance
• Facial weakness or numbness
• Headache

5. 90% of AN cases are first identified by a
reduction in hearing in one ear.

6. If an acoustic neuroma grows large enough it can press on the
surrounding nerves, brainstem, and cerebellum and become
life-threatening.

7. What is the cause of AN?
• There is no known cause of acoustic
neuroma.
• Exposure to high-dose radiation is the only
known environmental risk factor for AN.
• Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type II
have a malfunctioning gene on chromosome
22. These patients can develop acoustic
neuromas on both sides of the head.

8. How is acoustic neuroma
diagnosed?
• Case History
• Audiologic
evaluation by an
Audiologist
• MRI is the “gold
standard” for
diagnosis of AN
• CT scan with contrast
in cases where an
MRI is not possible

9. How is acoustic neuroma treated?
• Observation (watch and wait) for small
tumors
• Radiation
• Microsurgical removal
Treatment will be determined by the size of
the tumor, age and medical status of the
patient, hearing status, other symptoms, and
patient preference.

10. Will an acoustic neuroma cause
lasting problems?
An acoustic neuroma can cause permanent
hearing loss in the affected ear, as well as
tinnitus. Patients can work closely with an
Audiologist to determine need for
appropriate hearing technology.

11. Hearing options for those with AN
• In some cases, an AN
can significantly affect
hearing and speech
discrimination abilities
in the affected ear.
Hearing technology
options may include:
– Conventional hearing
aid.
– CROS or BICROS
hearing aid.
– Bone conduction device.

12. Resources:
https://www.anausa.org/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acoustic-
neuroma/basics/definition/con-20023851