Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuroma is the most common condition occurring at the skull base. A relatively uncommon condition, approximately 2000-3000 individuals are newly diagnosed each year in the U.S. with acoustic neuroma. It is a benign tumor based on the balance nerve. Its location serves the challenge in its management.

Its location is deep to the ear. It lies between the brainstem and the inner ear. It also lies immediately adjacent to the nerve for hearing and facial movement. Therefore, the most common initial symptom is hearing loss in one ear or ringing of the ear on one side. Impairment of facial movement is a very late manifestation. The diagnosis requires consultation with either an auditory brainstem response test, which is a screening test similar to an EKG for hearing, or an MRI looking at the inner ear.

Treatment for Acoustic Neuroma

Once diagnosed, the individual should obtain consultation with a neurotologist, a subspecialist to the ear and skull base. The options available to the individual is dependent on the size of the tumor and the individual’s symptoms.

Management can consist of careful observation as this tumor is often very slow growing. This may not be an option to an individual with a moderately sized tumor. When active management of this condition is opted, a team approach consisting of a neurotologist and a neurosurgeon is optimal. Treatment can consist of radiation treatment which is undertaken to arrest growth of the tumor or surgery which is undertaken to remove the tumor.

The experience of the Wilson Ear Clinic in the management of acoustic neuroma exceed 800 individuals, whether managed by observation, radiation treatment, or surgery.