Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a tumor on the nerve involved in hearing and balance.
When to get help quickly: This is not usually an emergency, but prompt specialist review is important if hearing is worsening, balance is poor, or there are new facial symptoms.
Common symptoms
Symptoms often include hearing loss in one ear, ringing in the ear, unsteadiness, dizziness, and sometimes facial numbness if the tumour grows larger.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when one-sided hearing loss, persistent ringing in one ear, or balance problems raise concern about a problem along the hearing and balance nerve.
What radiology does
MRI is the key imaging test because it shows the internal auditory canal, the tumor size, and any pressure effect on nearby structures.
What usually happens next
Management may include monitoring, radiation, or surgery depending on symptoms, growth, hearing, and tumor size.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Gamma KnifeGamma Knife is a highly focused form of stereotactic radiosurgery used for selected brain conditions. It does not involve a surgical cut, despite the word knife.
- Internal Auditory Meatus (IAM) MRIAn IAM MRI is a specialized scan focusing on the small canals within the inner ear that carry the hearing and balance nerves to the brain. It is highly effective for investigating persistent hearing loss or tinnitus.