Acoustic neuromas are unilateral in greater than 90% of patients [1]. The bilateral cases are confined to neurofibromatosis type 2 [7].

The most common presenting feature in acoustic neuroma is the unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, which is slow and gradual in the majority of patients. This occurs secondary to either vascular insufficiency or direct injury to the cochlear nerve. The hearing deficit can be sudden or it can fluctuate depending on cochlear perfusion and its interruption. Some patients may recover their hearing spontaneously. Note that hearing impairment is not related to the size of the acoustic neuroma.

Unilateral tinnitus very often coexists with hearing loss. Although if present alone, the presence of tinnitus should prompt suspicion for acoustic neuroma.

The majority of patients will have low speech discrimination scores as displayed on audiological tests. According to one study, almost 65% of individuals demonstrated a link between hearing loss severity and reduced speech discrimination [8].

Approximately half of acoustic neuroma patients will experience balance disturbance although vertigo and disequilibrium are not present initially.

At least half of the patients exhibit headaches especially in cases with growing tumors and those with obstructive hydrocephalus.

Another manifestation is facial numbness, which is exhibited in approximately 25% of patients. Up to 70% of those with large tumors exhibit hypoesthesia on exam but are not aware of it.

Facial weakness is rare and should prompt investigation of differential diagnoses such as arteriovenous malformation (AVM), meningioma, hemangioma, and facial neuroma.

• Falling

  Untreated vertigo in older patients frequently results in falls that can cause fracture of the femur and significant morbidity and mortality. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Large acoustic neuromas may compress parts of the cerebellum, which may lead to falls. Patients tend to fall toward the side of the tumor. The balance system can compensate for the loss of balance, so it may stabilize. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

  Symptoms include: Dizziness — Feelings of unbalance, floating or spinning can lead to falls or injuries. Loss of hearing in one ear — Usually loss of hearing in the affected ear is slow, occurring over many years. [templehealth.org]

  The cerebellum, a part of the brain located above the brain stem, falls back out of the way, and surgeons remove the bone over the internal auditory canal to fully access the tumor. [nyulangone.org]

  Prepare your home Because of possible balance difficulties immediately after surgery, please review the safety checklist for important information to reduce risk of falls and make it easier to manage at home after surgery. [dartmouth-hitchcock.org]

• Impaired Balance

  Radiation therapy Surgeries for acoustic neuromas are associated with inherent risks including hearing loss, impaired balance, and damage to the facial nerves. Radiation therapy is an alternative treatment option. [uclahealth.org]

  Balance/Vertigo Although acoustic neuromas mostly originate from the upper part of the balance nerve, vertigo and impaired balance rank only in third place as a symptom of an acoustic neuroma. [physio-pedia.com]

  Although acoustic neuromas mostly originate from the upper part of the balance nerve, vertigo and impaired balance rank only in third place as a symptom of an acoustic neuroma. [acoustic-neuroma-brain-tumour.org]

• Difficulty Walking

  This may create headaches, difficulty walking and damage to cranial nerves. Cranial nerves are neurologic structures that originate from the brain performing certain motor or sensory functions. [medhelp.org]

• Nausea

  As it grows, an acoustic neuroma can produce a number of characteristic clinical features, such as: Hearing loss Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) Dizziness Facial numbness (when the tumour is 2.5cm+) Severe imbalance, headaches, nausea, facial weakness [sunnybrook.ca]

  […] balance Vertigo, or the illusion that you or your surroundings are moving As the acoustic neuroma increases in size, patients can begin to exhibit more serious signs, such as: Blurred vision Loss of feeling in the face Difficulty swallowing Headaches Nausea [tgh.org]

  The vertigo of the vestibular schwannoma patients differed from vertigo in other diseases by the absence (63%) or low intensity (18%) of nausea. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms may include decreased hearing, imbalance, impaired gait, dizziness or vertigo associated with nausea and vomiting, a sensation of pressure in the ear, and often tinnitus, a high pitched ringing or hissing sound. [urmc.rochester.edu]

• Failure to Thrive

  Fred Ferri’s popular "5 books in 1" format provides quick guidance on menorrhagia, Failure to Thrive (FTT), Cogan’s syndrome, and much more. [books.google.se]

• Tinnitus

  OBJECT: Tinnitus is a known presenting symptom of acoustic neuromas, but little is known about the impact of observation or treatment on tinnitus. Most patients experience improvement with treatment, while others may worsen. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Unilateral tinnitus very often coexists with hearing loss. Although if present alone, the presence of tinnitus should prompt suspicion for acoustic neuroma. [symptoma.com]

  Early symptoms include mild unilateral hearing impairment, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and sometimes dizziness. [britannica.com]

• Sudden Hearing Loss

  Conversely, sudden hearing loss is attributed to an acoustic neuroma patient only about 1 percent to 5 percent of the time, as there are many causes of sudden hearing loss. [facialparalysisinstitute.com]

  However, because acoustic neuroma is a rare condition, sudden hearing loss attributable to an acoustic tumor occurs in only 1-5 percent of patients with sudden hearing loss as there are many more common causes (Daniels et al, 2000). [tchain.com]

• Hearing Impairment

  Early symptoms include mild unilateral hearing impairment, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and sometimes dizziness. [britannica.com]

  Unilateral hearing impairment should warrant a high index of suspicion for acoustic neuroma. [symptoma.com]

  In patients with acoustic neuroma, the site and severity of hearing impairment are important in discussing surgical approaches. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Acoustic Neuroma & Facial Paralysis Symptoms More than 95 percent of acoustic neuroma patients suffer hearing loss. In addition, roughly 90 percent of acoustic neuroma patients encounter a gradual, one-side hearing impairment. [facialparalysisinstitute.com]

• Hearing Problem

  Acoustic neuromas grow on the nerve used for hearing and balance, which can cause problems such as hearing loss and unsteadiness. [nhs.uk]

  BRENDAN FITTERER | Times ZEPHYRHILLS — Occupational therapist Evelyn Lopez was treating a patient at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills when she casually mentioned her hearing problem to the student observer working with her. [tampabay.com]

  If your doctor suspects you have an acoustic neuroma, he or she will perform a full physical exam and hearing test. During a hearing test, a hearing specialist, called an audiologist, can determine if you have any hearing problems. [mercy.com]

• Progressive Hearing Loss

  Symptoms and Diagnosis of Acoustic Neuroma The most common symptoms in patients with acoustic neuromas are slow and progressive hearing loss and tinnitus in just one ear. [virginiamason.org]

  Early symptoms as the tumor grows and presses on the auditory nerve include slowly progressing hearing loss in one ear (hence the historical name acoustic neuroma). [merckmanuals.com]

  The main reason for visit (65.71%) was unilateral and progressive hearing loss. After treatment, 34.28% of patients had hearing loss. The involvement of the cranial nerves (v-vii) was transitory in 100% of cases. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Also called vestibular schwannomas, these growths commonly lead to progressive hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and balance problems. An acoustic neuroma often grows first in the auditory canal and then expand to compress the brain. [neurosurgery.pitt.edu]

• Facial Numbness

  As it grows, an acoustic neuroma can produce a number of characteristic clinical features, such as: Hearing loss Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) Dizziness Facial numbness (when the tumour is 2.5cm+) Severe imbalance, headaches, nausea, facial weakness [sunnybrook.ca]

  Complications An acoustic neuroma may cause a variety of permanent complications, including: Hearing loss Facial numbness and weakness Difficulties with balance Ringing in the ear Large tumors may press on your brainstem, preventing the normal flow of [mayoclinic.org]

  Risks of having acoustic neuroma surgery include: Wound infection Meningitis Hydrocephalus Cerebrospinal fluid leak Because the tumor affects your nerves, you may still have some symptoms after it's removed, like facial numbness or hearing loss. [uvahealth.com]

  Acoustic neuroma symptoms Symptoms of acoustic neuroma can include the following: Hearing loss Ringing in ears ( tinnitus ) Dizziness Balance problems Facial weakness Acoustic neuroma: what you should know Larger tumors may cause facial numbness or weakness [rush.edu]

  Larger tumors can cause facial numbness, facial weakness, headaches or compression of the brainstem. How is acoustic neuroma diagnosed? To diagnose acoustic neuroma, doctors rely on an ear exam, hearing test and imaging. [providence.org]

• Facial Pain

  Symptoms that worsened or newly developed following SRT in this series were deafness (41%), dizziness (35.9%), facial numbness (25.6%), tinnitus (20.5%), facial nerve palsy (7.7%), and facial pain (7.7%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The larger end of the “pear” may compress the trigeminal nerve, causing facial pain. It may also compress the brainstem and cerebellum, causing hydrocephalus or interfering with vital functions. [columbianeurosurgery.org]

• Headache

  In some cases, the tumour, though benign, may grow and push against the brain or brainstem, causing headache, numbness in the face, or visual disturbances. An acoustic neuroma may be treated through surgical excision or radiation therapy. [britannica.com]

  […] total symptoms, and higher headache severity scores (p CONCLUSIONS: Non-elderly acoustic neuroma patients with larger tumors, growing tumors, significant hearing loss, and worse headaches are more likely to pursue surgical resection rather than active [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Headaches are also a common complaint after surgery. [aaroncohen-gadol.com]

  As it grows, an acoustic neuroma can produce a number of characteristic clinical features, such as: Hearing loss Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) Dizziness Facial numbness (when the tumour is 2.5cm+) Severe imbalance, headaches, nausea, facial weakness [sunnybrook.ca]

• Dizziness

  Early symptoms include mild unilateral hearing impairment, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and sometimes dizziness. [britannica.com]

  When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your health care provider if you have: Hearing loss that is new or getting worse Ringing in one ear Dizziness (vertigo) visHeader References Baloh RW, Jen J. Hearing and equilibrium. [nicklauschildrens.org]

  Symptoms Common symptoms include, but are not necessarily limited to: Dizziness or vertigo Hearing loss in one ear Lack of coordination Tingling or numbness in the face Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) Walking and balance problems Double vision Trouble with [braintumour.ca]

  As it grows, an acoustic neuroma can produce a number of characteristic clinical features, such as: Hearing loss Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) Dizziness Facial numbness (when the tumour is 2.5cm+) Severe imbalance, headaches, nausea, facial weakness [sunnybrook.ca]

• Vertigo

  When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your health care provider if you have: Hearing loss that is new or getting worse Ringing in one ear Dizziness (vertigo) visHeader References Baloh RW, Jen J. Hearing and equilibrium. [nicklauschildrens.org]

  Of the 178 patients studied, only 10 had both cystic change of the tumor and rotatory vertigo, and 120 had neither cystic tumor nor rotatory vertigo. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if you have: Hearing loss that is sudden or getting worse Ringing in one ear Dizziness (vertigo) References Arriaga MA, Brackmann DE. Neoplasms of the posterior fossa. [mountsinai.org]

• Ataxia

  A 22-year-old male with unilateral facial, cochlear and glossopharyngeal cranial nerve dysfunction and ataxia that was slowly progressive over one year is described. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Although little information is available on its exact incidence, truncal (trunk, abdomen, chest) ataxia appears to be more common than limb ataxia. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

  Difficulty with movement (Ataxia) — Large acoustic neuromas can affect the ability to walk normally due to pressure on the brain. [templehealth.org]

• Nystagmus

  Twenty-six patients with unilateral acoustic neuroma (mainly intracanalicular type) were studied with a full audio-vestibular test battery (pure tone and speech audiometry, caloric bithermal test, vibration-induced nystagmus test (VIN), cervical and OVEMPs [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  One would expect that this would create timing differences between the ears without spontaneous nystagmus, and result in head-shaking nystagmus, without spontaneous or hyperventilation induced nystagmus. [tchain.com]

Individuals presenting with unilateral sensorineural hearing deficits should be presumed to have an acoustic neuroma. The diagnosis should be confirmed through evaluation of the clinical picture, history, a physical exam with focus on hearing and neurologic assessment, and imaging studies.

Imaging

The confirmatory imaging modality is the gadolinium-enhanced MRI, which detects small lesions measuring 1 to 2mm in diameter. This is contraindicated in patients with ferromagnetic implants. Adding a fast-spin echo feature to MRI imaging is rapid and inexpensive but is ineffective in diagnosing differentials such as demyelinating disease. Fine-cut CT with contrast can identify medium or large tumors in the internal auditory canal but fail to discover lesions less than 1 to 1.5cm.

Histology

Histologic analysis of tissue samples of portrays characteristic histologic findings. There are two types of tissues: Antoni A and Antoni B. The former exhibits a pattern of spindle cells with palisading nuclei referred to as Verocay bodies while the latter displays loose stroma with fewer cells.

Other

While previously common, audiometric studies are not used for diagnostic purposes anymore.

The are three main therapeutic approaches in the treatment of acoustic neuroma which include observation, stereotactic radiation therapy, and surgical removal of the lesion.

When deciding the best course of management, the medical team should assess numerous factors [9] such as the parent's hearing status, the size and growth rate of the tumor, the patient's life expectancy, the probability of developing facial nerve paralysis, and the risks of surgery. The latter includes outcomes such as hearing loss and other postsurgical complications. Another variable for consideration is whether the patient has NF2.

Observation

These tumors are typically benign and slow growing. Therefore, careful observation is appropriate for those with small tumors, particularly in the elderly. Groups who are good candidates for observation are the elderly, those with comorbid medical conditions that render them risky for surgery, and patients with the tumor presenting on the side of the unaffected ear. Furthermore, patient preference may favor observation.

Studies have indicated that up to 40% of patients under observation will eventually warrant intervention and many will become ineligible for surgery during this time period.

Stereotactic radiotherapy

As an alternative to microsurgery, this treatment modality applies radiation to target tissues hence minimizing the potential exposure to nearby tissues. The goals of radiation are to inhibit the growth of the tumor cells and to obliterate the lesion's vascular perfusion. One study reported that Gamma Knife radiation is effective in tumor control [10]. although another investigation observed that these tumors are resistant to low dose radiation [11].

Surgery

Surgical excision is the preferred treatment for the elimination of acoustic neuroma. There are numerous techniques that may be utilized depending on the surgeon's technical skills, size and location of the tumor, and the desire for hearing preservation.

When choosing between radiation and microsurgery, there are many variables to be considered such as postsrgical morbidity and mortality, hospital length of stay and cost, etc.

Follow-up

The patient is monitored with periodic imaging studies and hearing tests.

The prognosis can be evaluated by the outcome of each symptom. For example, cases with hearing preservation have been noted to increase during the last decade. It is likely that post-radiation and post-surgical patients have similar rates of conservation. However, hearing impairment has been observed in patients who underwent surgery.

Although tinnitus may improve after surgery, it can actually worsen in a minority of patients. Furthermore, it may develop postoperatively as well. The post-surgical recurrence rate of acoustic neuroma is less than 5%. Note that patients may have residual tumor since intraoperative visualization is quite challenging in many cases.

Rehabilitation

Hearing loss following surgical resection may require rehabilitation such as the bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) or contralateral routing of signals (CROS) hearing aid. Additionally, patients with post-surgical facial weakness warrant artificial tears and other eye care products until the nerve recovers. Generally, facial nerve recovery is associated with tumors that are smaller than 1.5cm. Moreover, the utilization of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring may lead to the improvement of function.

The major known risk factor for developing an acoustic neuroma is high-dose ionizing radiation, although the majority of affected individuals do not have apparent risk factors. Some studies suggest that exposure to loud noise [1] [2] and nonmedullary thyroid cancer [3] may be risk factors for developing this tumor.

Neurofibromatosis type 2

Acoustic neurofibroma is the major clinical feature of the genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis type 2, which is the result of a mutation of a tumor suppressor gene that is found on chromosome 22.

The incidence of acoustic neuroma is 1 per population of 100,000 annually. The incidence is rising which may be explained by the widespread utilization of various imaging modalities such as MRI and computed tomography (CT), leading to a higher number of incidental diagnoses [4] [5]. The prevalence in the population is likely higher according to autopsy studies [6] [7].

With regards to patient demographics, the median age at diagnosis of the condition is about 50 years old [5]. This tumor comprises almost 8% of adult intracranial tumors and at least 80% of cerebellopontine tumors.

Acoustic neuromas are benign, slow growing, and noninvasive. They rarely undergo malignant transformation. Additionally, there are three distinct patterns of growth as some will remain dormant, while others may grow slowly or rapidly. While most are slow growers, tumors may erratically alternate between these patterns.

Location of tumor and symptomatology

In addition to its size, the tumor is also characterized by its location. It may develop in the auditory canal and expand into the cerebellopontine angle. The symptoms result from the compression of nerves, vessels, spinal fluid spaces, as well as the displacement of the brain stem.

Most of acoustic neuromas arise from Schwann cells located on the vestibular segment of the vestibulocochlear nerve. When these tumors compress the vestibular fibers, the resultant damage ensues in a gradual and slow manner. Therefore, vertigo is not a prominent feature.

Note that lesions emerging in the internal auditory canal may compress and impinge upon the vestibular nerve, cochlear nerve, or labyrinthine artery. These mechanisms result in hearing loss and vestibular disturbance.

When these tumors grow, they may extend into the cerebellopontine angle, which is an empty space that contains spinal fluid. Larger lesions can compress other cranial nerves, impinge on neighboring structures, and shift the position of the brain stem. If greater than 4cm, they cause hydrocephalus.

There are no preventative measures. However, it is important for patients with hearing loss to seek medical care in a timely manner.

Acoustic neuroma, also referred to as vestibular schwannoma, is a benign tumor that derives from the Schwann cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Specifically, the vestibular branch of the nerve accounts for almost all cases of this condition. Most tumors are slow growing and some can expand from the internal auditory canal to the cerebellopontine angle. If the lesion enlarges, it may encompass the brainstem, cerebellum, and compress other cranial nerves. The etiology is unknown but there are potential risk factors.

The chief symptom at initial presentation is the unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Other symptoms that develop as the tumor progresses include tinnitus, disequilibrium, headache, and other abnormalities that reflect affected anatomic structures.

Unilateral hearing impairment should warrant a high index of suspicion for acoustic neuroma. The workup consists of a detailed assessment of the patient's clinical picture and history, a physical examination with a hearing evaluation, and imaging tests. Due to the availability of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the detection of acoustic neuromas is on the rise.

Patients with acoustic neuroma can be managed by observation, radiation therapy, or microsurgery. The appropriate treatment depends on variables such as the size, location, and growth rate of the tumor, as well as the patient's age, comorbid medical issues, and patient preference.

What is an acoustic neuroma?

This is a rare tumor that grows on the cranial nerve called vestibulocochlear nerve which travels from the brainstem to the ear canal. Specifically, this nerve is responsible for hearing and balance maintenance. The exact cause of this condition is unknown.

This benign tumor rarely becomes cancerous. Also, most are slow growing and non-invasive.

What are the risk factors for developing this condition?

Exposure to loud noise may increase the probability of developing acoustic neuroma. Also, having a personal or family history of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) may also be a risk factor.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Although this is a benign tumor, it can cause serious problems for the patient. Early signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Hearing loss in one ear (while the other ear is normal)
• Tinnitus: ringing in the same ear as hearing loss
• Difficulty with discriminating between sounds

The growing neuroma can cause:

• Trouble with balance
• Numbness of the face
• Weakness of the muscles of the face

How is it diagnosed?

The clinician will assess the patient's symptoms, obtain the medical history, perform a physical exam and a detailed hearing evaluation. Also, imaging tests such as the following will be ordered:

• MRI
• CT scan

How is it treated?

The medical team will choose the most appropriate treatment by considering factors such as the size, location, and growth of the acoustic tumor. Also, the patient's age, overall health, and preference will also be important factors. There are 3 main options for treatment:

1. Observation: small tumors can be monitored, especially in the elderly
2. Radiation: this kills tumor cells and prevents further growth. It is an option for small tumors that are difficult to operate on.
3. Surgical removal of the tumor: this is warranted when the tumor grows and hearing loss occurs. There are complications such as deafness and paralysis of the muscles on the face.

The patients will follow-up with their doctor and undergo periodic imaging and hearing tests.

What is the prognosis?

The probability of the tumor recurring after surgery is less than 5%.

Hearing may be preserved in patients who have undergone surgery as well as those who received radiation. However, hearing loss may occur after surgery as well.

1. Edwards CG, Schwartzbaum JA, Lonn S, et al. Exposure to loud noise and risk of acoustic neuroma. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2006;163(4):327–333.
2. Preston-Martin S, Thomas DC, Wright WE, et al. Noise trauma in the aetiology of acoustic neuromas in men in Los Angeles County, 1978–1985. British Journal of Cancer. 1989;59(5):783–786.
3. Hemminki K, Eng C, Chen BW. Familial risks for nonmedullary thyroid cancer. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2005;90(10):5747–5753.
4. Lin D, Hegarty JL, Fischbein NJ, et al. The prevalence of "incidental" acoustic neuroma. Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 2005; 131(3):241-4.
5. Propp JM, McCarthy BJ, Davis FG, et al. Descriptive epidemiology of vestibular schwannomas. Neuro-Oncology. 2006;8(1):1-11.
6. Tos M, Stangerup SE, Caye-Thomasen P, et al. What is the real incidence of vestibular schwannoma?. Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 2004;130(2):216-20.
7. Eldridge R, Parry D. Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). Consensus development conference. Neurosurgery 1992;30(6):962.
8. Lee SH, Choi SK, Lim YJ, et al. Otologic manifestations of acoustic neuroma. Acta Oto-Laryngologica. 2015;135(2):140-6.
9. Telian SA. Management of the small acoustic neuroma: a decision analysis. American Journal of Otolaryngology 1994; 15(3):358-65.
10. Boari N, Bailo M, Gagliardi F, et al. Gamma Knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: clinical results at long-term follow-up in a series of 379 patients. Journal of Neurosurgery. 2014; 121 Suppl:123-42.
11. Hansen MR, Clark JJ, Gantz BJ, et al. Effects of ErbB2 signaling on the response of vestibular schwannoma cells to gamma-irradiation. Laryngoscope. 2008 Jun; 118(6):1023-30.