Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic Neuroma Causes - Risk Factors and Treatment in India

An acoustic neuroma is a benign, slow-growing tumour on the main nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. This short explains what is known about its causes.

Understanding acoustic neuromas

An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous tumour.

• A benign tumour. It grows on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which links the inner ear to the brain. This nerve is involved in hearing and balance.
• Slow growth. The tumour usually grows very slowly over many years. Because of this, symptoms can develop gradually and may be subtle at first.
• Common symptoms. These can include hearing loss in one ear, a ringing sound (tinnitus), and problems with balance or dizziness.

What causes an acoustic neuroma?

The exact cause of most acoustic neuromas is not known. However, there are two recognised situations in which they can develop.

• Sporadic cases. Most acoustic neuromas are sporadic. This means they seem to happen by chance. These cases are linked to a fault in a gene on chromosome 22.
• Neurofibromatosis type 2. A small number of cases are caused by an inherited genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). People with NF2 often develop acoustic neuromas on both sides.
• Other risk factors. There is no clear evidence to suggest that environmental factors or mobile phone use cause acoustic neuromas.

The information here is for general guidance. The cause and best course of action for your case can only be determined by a specialist after reviewing your medical reports and recent imaging.