An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing (and usually non-cancerous) tumour that coats the hearing and balance nerves at the base of the brain. Acoustic neuromas are also called ‘vestibular schwannoma’ and ‘neurinoma’.

SYMPTOMS

As acoustic neuromas tend to affect the hearing and balance nerves, they may cause:

• dizziness
• ringing in the ears
• hearing loss (tinnitus)
• weakness on one side of the face

TREATMENT

Acoustic neuromas are generally treated with surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery.

Very small acoustic neuromas can sometimes be observed with regular MRI scans and surgery or other treatment may not be needed.