Acoustic neuroma, also called vestibular schwannoma, is a growth (tumor) on a nerve in the inner ear. It is not cancerous (is benign). The tumor grows on the eighth cranial nerve. This nerve passes between the brain and the inner ear through a bony tunnel (internal auditory canal). The eighth cranial nerve is important for hearing and balance.

As the tumor gets larger, it has less room to grow inside the canal. It starts to press on the nerve and can cause problems with hearing or balance. Nerves in your child’s face may also be affected. Acoustic neuroma usually only happens on one side of the body.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by an overgrowth of the cells (Schwann cells) that make up the outer layer of the eighth cranial nerve. The cause of this overgrowth is not known.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

  • Children who have a family history of neurofibromatosis. This is a condition that is passed from parent to child (inherited). It causes benign tumors to grow on many nerves, including the eighth cranial nerve.

What are the signs or symptoms?

If the tumor is large enough to cause symptoms, the most common symptom is hearing loss in one ear. Sometimes the hearing loss is sudden and can be permanent. Other symptoms may develop over time. Possible symptoms include:

  • Ringing in the ear (tinnitus).

  • Loss of balance or a sensation of spinning (vertigo).

  • Headache.

A large acoustic neuroma may start to affect other nerves in the face and throat. This can lead to facial weakness or numbness and tingling. Your child may also have difficulty swallowing.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

  • Your child’s symptoms and medical history.

  • A physical exam. The exam may include tests to check your child’s hearing and balance.

  • Imaging tests of your child’s inner ear or brain, such as an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray. These will be done to confirm the diagnosis.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on your child’s symptoms, the size of the tumor, and your child’s overall health. Treatment may include:

  • Monitoring the tumor. Acoustic neuroma is a tumor that grows slowly. Treatment may not be needed unless the tumor is large and causes symptoms.

  • Radiation therapy to stop the tumor from growing.

  • Surgery to remove all or part of the tumor. This may be done if your child has symptoms or if your child’s tumor is growing.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Learn as much as you can about your child’s condition and work closely with your child’s team of health care providers.

  • Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.

  • Make sure your child keeps all follow-up visits with your his or her health care provider. This is especially important if your child has an acoustic neuroma that is being monitored.

Where to find more information

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your child has any of the following symptoms that get worse:

    • Tinnitus.

    • Vertigo.

    • Headache.

    • Hearing loss.

  • Your child develops facial weakness, tingling, or numbness.

  • Your child develops new symptoms.

  • Your child has difficulty swallowing.

Get help right away if:

  • Your child develops severe dizziness.

  • Your child has difficulty standing or walking.

  • Your child develops a severe headache.

  • Your child faints or loses consciousness.

  • Your child has a seizure.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get help right away. Call 911.

Summary

  • An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that grows on the eighth cranial nerve, which controls balance and hearing.

  • These tumors can grow large enough that they can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or balance problems.

  • These tumors usually happen only on one side. Treatment may not be needed unless the tumor is large and causes symptoms.

  • In some cases, radiation or surgery may be needed to prevent problems with hearing and balance.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.