Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuroma is the common name for a vestibular schwannoma, a benign, slow-growing tumor that develops on the vestibular branch of the eighth cranial nerve (the vestibulocochlear nerve). Despite the name, the tumor does not originate on the acoustic (cochlear) nerve. The term acoustic neuroma remains widely used in patient-facing communication, though vestibular schwannoma is the preferred clinical term.

As the tumor grows, it can press on the auditory nerve and cochlea, causing progressive unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disturbance. Some people also experience a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. Acoustic neuromas are typically slow-growing and benign, but their size and location relative to surrounding structures influence management decisions.

Diagnosis involves audiological testing (which often reveals asymmetric hearing loss and poor speech recognition in the affected ear) alongside MRI imaging of the internal auditory canal. Management options include observation with regular monitoring, radiation therapy (stereotactic radiosurgery), and surgical removal. In Canada, management takes place through specialized neurotology or neurosurgery programs.