Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth that sometimes develops on the 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve). This nerve connects the inner ear with the brain and has two different parts: one is involved in transmitting sound while the other sends balancing information from the inner ear to the brain. This normally slow-growing tumor occurs when the Schwann cells surrounding the nerve start to grow abnormally. Symptoms include hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and unsteadiness. Treatment methods include regular monitoring, radiation, and surgical removal.