Overview

What Is an Acoustic Neuroma, Also Known as a Vestibular Schwannoma?

An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous tumor of the auditory nerve. It can affect your hearing and balance. Acoustic neuromas are made up of schwann cells that cover your peripheral nerve fibers. When your body makes more schwann cells than your ear needs, it can cause an acoustic neuroma. The neuroma can press on the nerve in your inner ear. The auditory nerve, known as the vestibulocochlear nerve, controls your hearing and balance, so tumors on that nerve can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear, balance problems or dizziness.

In some cases, acoustic neuromas can grow large. When this happens, they can press on your facial nerve or on parts of the brain. This can affect how your brain works or block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which is protective fluid around your brain and spine. This can be life-threatening.

Types of Acoustic Neuromas

There are two types of acoustic neuromas:

• Unilateral acoustic neuromas affect one ear. They are more common. They happen most often in people between 30 and 60 years old. Typically, the cause is unknown, but some studies show that nerve damage from environmental factors may cause this type of neuroma.
• Bilateral acoustic neuromas affect both ears. They are usually only found in people with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis-2 (NF2). This genetic condition makes it more likely that someone will develop tumors in their head and spine.