An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear and the brain. Though noncancerous and typically slow growing, it can affect both hearing and balance, and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness in Portland patients of all ages. In rare cases, tumors may become large enough to press against the brain, interfering with vital processes and even leading to death. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms associated with acoustic neuromas, so you know when to see a Portland hearing care professional for an audiological assessment.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Acoustic Neuromas?
Acoustic neuromas, sometimes called vestibular schwannomas, usually grow very slowly—if at all. Because of this, symptoms are often difficult to spot early on. Portland patients report noticing gradual hearing loss that is sometimes accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears). If the tumor continues to grow, additional symptoms are likely to develop. These include dizziness and vertigo, facial numbness and weakness, a tingling sensation in the face, changes in taste, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, headaches and confusion. Early diagnosis and treatment by an experienced Portland audiologist can help prevent more serious symptoms.
What Causes Auditory Tumors to Develop?
A small percentage of acoustic neuromas are the result of an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2), associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This genetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on both sides of the head. More often than not—about 95% of the time—acoustic neuromas are classified as sporadic, meaning their exact cause is unknown. There is some evidence of a connection between exposure to low-dose radiation of the head and neck during childhood and the development of acoustic neuromas.
There are no known risk factors for acoustic neuromas other than having a parent with NF2. If this is the case, children have a 50% chance of inheriting the condition themselves.
Diagnosing and Treating Acoustic Neuromas
A Portland hearing loss and auditory healthcare professional can diagnose an acoustic neuroma primarily through a review of your symptoms in conjunction with a hearing test and imaging scans (CT or MRI). Because growth of the tumor is usually very slow, many times Portland audiologists will simply want to monitor the tumor’s progress over time, especially when few symptoms are present. Regular imaging tests at a Portland ENT and audiology clinic every 6– 12 months can track any growth.
Surgery may be an option for tumors that are growing or causing symptoms. Gamma Knife radiosurgery delivers radiation without the need for an incision, but results can take a long time. More invasive surgery may be required, especially if the tumor is growing close to the brain or facial nerve. If surgery is the best option for your condition, your Portland audiologist will enlist an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician) to perform the surgical treatment.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Acoustic Neuromas?
Acoustic neuromas, sometimes called vestibular schwannomas, usually grow very slowly—if at all. Because of this, symptoms are often difficult to spot early on. Portland patients report noticing gradual hearing loss that is sometimes accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears). If the tumor continues to grow, additional symptoms are likely to develop. These include dizziness and vertigo, facial numbness and weakness, a tingling sensation in the face, changes in taste, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, headaches and confusion. Early diagnosis and treatment by an experienced Portland audiologist can help prevent more serious symptoms.
What Causes Auditory Tumors to Develop?
A small percentage of acoustic neuromas are the result of an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2), associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This genetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on both sides of the head. More often than not—about 95% of the time—acoustic neuromas are classified as sporadic, meaning their exact cause is unknown. There is some evidence of a connection between exposure to low-dose radiation of the head and neck during childhood and the development of acoustic neuromas.
There are no known risk factors for acoustic neuromas other than having a parent with NF2. If this is the case, children have a 50% chance of inheriting the condition themselves.
Diagnosing and Treating Acoustic Neuromas
A Portland hearing loss and auditory healthcare professional can diagnose an acoustic neuroma primarily through a review of your symptoms in conjunction with a hearing test and imaging scans (CT or MRI). Because growth of the tumor is usually very slow, many times Portland audiologists will simply want to monitor the tumor’s progress over time, especially when few symptoms are present. Regular imaging tests at a Portland ENT and audiology clinic every 6– 12 months can track any growth.
Surgery may be an option for tumors that are growing or causing symptoms. Gamma Knife radiosurgery delivers radiation without the need for an incision, but results can take a long time. More invasive surgery may be required, especially if the tumor is growing close to the brain or facial nerve. If surgery is the best option for your condition, your Portland audiologist will enlist an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician) to perform the surgical treatment.
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