Acoustic neuroma

A slow growing tumor on the nerve between the inner ear and the brain.

What an acoustic neuroma is

This tumor grows on the nerve that runs between the inner ear and the brain. That nerve carries hearing and balance.

It is not cancer, and it grows slowly. Doctors also call it a vestibular schwannoma, because it starts in cells called Schwann cells that wrap the nerve.

What it does

Because of where it sits, the first signs are usually about one ear: hearing loss on that side, ringing, or trouble with balance.

Many are small and are simply watched with scans over time. Treatment choices weigh the tumor against the hearing you still have, so the decision is often about more than size.

What to ask your team

• How big is it, and is it growing?
• What is my hearing like now on that side?
• What would each choice mean for my hearing and balance?