Acoustic neuroma is a rare, noncancerous tumor that develops on the main nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. Because the branches of this nerve directly affect balance and hearing, the pressure from the tumor can lead to hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and imbalance. Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, grows slowly or may not grow at all. However, in rare cases, it can grow rapidly and become large enough to press on the brain and disrupt vital functions. Treatment options for acoustic neuroma include regular monitoring, radiation therapy, and tumor removal through surgery. Stay with us until the end of this article to learn more about this condition.
Acoustic Neuroma Symptoms
It is important to be familiar with the symptoms of an acoustic nerve tumor so that you can recognize them early and take action for diagnosis and treatment. However, it is worth noting that some symptoms of acoustic nerve tumors are similar to those of normal aging, which can make it difficult to fully diagnose acoustic neuroma.
Acoustic neuroma has various symptoms, but one of the most common is hearing loss. According to statistics, 88 percent of patients reported losing hearing in one ear. Initially, this issue is mild but tends to progress over time.
Sometimes, hearing loss can happen suddenly. When people experience this and visit a doctor, the doctor may often attribute the hearing loss to factors such as aging, allergies, or exposure to loud noises. However, in many cases, hearing loss is caused by a brain tumor that affects the acoustic nerve. It is helpful to know other symptoms of the condition to make diagnosing acoustic neuroma easier. These include:
- Hearing sounds like ringing or buzzing
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Persistent and painful headaches on one side of the head
- Pain in the neck or upper and front parts of the head
- Blurred or double vision
- Eye irritation and redness
- Dry eyes and changes in tear production
- Tingling in the cheeks or corners of the mouth
- Loss of balance and coordination on one side of the body
- Difficulty swallowing and issues with vocal cords
Acoustic Neuroma Causes
Acoustic Neuroma Causes
Doctors have not been able to identify the exact cause of this condition, but they have found that it is related to an issue with a gene on chromosome 22. This gene produces a tumor-suppressing protein that plays a role in controlling tumor growth, thus preventing the growth of cells that cover nerves.
The tumor on the acoustic nerve occurs when this chromosome and the protein it produces become disrupted. There is no specific cause identified for this disruption, and the only potential reason is a rare genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). NF2 is a rare condition that accounts for only 5 percent of acoustic neuromas. Therefore, it can be said that in many cases, this disease occurs sporadically without any clear reason. The only potential factor linked to it is excessive radiation exposure to the head and neck area.
Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis
To reduce the severity of the complications caused by an acoustic nerve tumor, it is important to immediately consult an acoustic neuroma specialist when you notice symptoms of the condition. Once you visit the doctor, the diagnostic process for an acoustic nerve tumor will begin. Here, we will discuss various methods for diagnosing acoustic neuroma to help you become familiar with them:
1. Physical Examination
The first step in diagnosing an acoustic nerve tumor is a thorough physical examination. The doctor will carefully examine the patient’s ear. Since acoustic neuroma is not easily detectable in its early stages, the examination can be somewhat challenging. For example, hearing loss or other ear-related issues may occur in anyone, so doctors cannot solely rely on ear examination to diagnose this condition. Therefore, additional tests will be recommended.
2. Audiometry (Hearing Test)
This test is performed by an audiologist. The test involves playing sounds directly into each ear. These sounds have different frequencies, and after hearing each sound, the audiologist will ask you to indicate whenever you hear them. The sounds vary in frequency and are repeated from soft to loud. Occasionally, spoken words might also be played to assess your hearing ability.
3. Acoustic neuroma MRI
One of the best and most popular methods for diagnosing whether a tumor exists on the acoustic nerve is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test can even detect very small tumors, ranging from one to two millimeters in size. If you do not have access to MRI or cannot tolerate the scan, another method like computed tomography (CT scan) can be used. However, keep in mind that this method may not show very small tumors and there is a higher chance of error.
4. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Test
In this test, the doctor provides sound stimuli to the patient’s ear and records the responses using an array of electrodes attached to the skull. This method does not require the patient to actively respond. The only thing the patient needs to do is remain still and calm for a more accurate result. This test employs advanced techniques that can detect even very small tumors.
Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis
Acoustic Neuroma Treatment
An ear, nose, and throat specialist chooses the best treatment option for acoustic neuroma based on the size and location of the tumor, the patient’s age and overall health, and the degree of damage to the hearing and balance nerves. Small, non-growing tumors may not require treatment. The treatment for acoustic neuroma includes three stages:
1. Observation and Monitoring of the Acoustic Nerve Tumor
Acoustic nerve tumors are non-cancerous and grow slowly. Therefore, sometimes no treatment is necessary. The doctor will periodically monitor the tumor using MRI scans. If the acoustic neuroma grows or causes specific symptoms, treatment options will be considered.
2. Surgical Removal of Acoustic Neuroma
If the vestibular schwannoma begins to grow, surgery is recommended. In this surgery, all or part of the tumor may be removed. There are three surgical methods for treating acoustic neuroma:
Translabyrinthine Craniotomy: If the acoustic neuroma is larger than 3 cm, a cut is made behind the ear, and the bone behind the ear and the middle ear are removed. This method may cause permanent hearing loss.
Suboccipital Craniotomy: The skull is opened from the back of the head. This method is suitable for removing tumors of any size and does not typically cause hearing loss.
Retrosigmoid: A small piece of bone above the ear canal is removed. This method can be used if the tumor is small and limited to the internal auditory canal.
3. Radiotherapy or Radiation Therapy for Acoustic Neuroma
In some cases, the doctor may recommend radiation therapy to eliminate or stop the growth of the acoustic nerve tumor. The two common radiation therapy methods for this type of tumor are:
Single-Fraction Stereotactic Radiosurgery: This is done in one session, where hundreds of small beams of radiation are directed at the tumor.
Multifraction Stereotactic Radiotherapy: This therapy is done over several sessions, with a small dose of radiation administered daily.
Mark Ruffalo
Celebrities with Acoustic Neuroma
Several well-known celebrities have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma. For example, the famous actor Mark Ruffalo was diagnosed with this condition and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Similarly, the renowned singer Travis Tritt also shared his experience with acoustic neuroma, including how it affected his hearing and balance. These celebrities have raised awareness about the condition, encouraging others to seek early diagnosis and treatment.
Acoustic Neuroma Life Expectancy
Acoustic neuroma is generally a non-cancerous tumor, and with proper treatment, most people can live a normal life. The life expectancy of someone with an acoustic neuroma depends on factors such as the tumor’s size, location, and how early it is diagnosed. If treated early, many people recover well and have a good quality of life. However, untreated or late-diagnosed tumors can lead to complications, which may affect health, but they rarely threaten life expectancy. Regular monitoring and treatment can help ensure a positive outcome.
Final Word
Acoustic neuroma is a rare, noncancerous tumor that affects the nerve responsible for hearing and balance. Although the exact cause is not always clear, early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve outcomes. Whether through observation, surgery, or radiation therapy, there are effective options for managing this condition. With proper care, most people can live a healthy life, and increasing awareness about this condition is important for early detection and better results.
