{"id":1441,"date":"2022-06-24T22:22:55","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T22:22:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.fm1.dev\/?page_id=1441"},"modified":"2022-07-27T23:40:06","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T23:40:06","slug":"acoustic-neuroma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/ear-problems\/acoustic-neuroma\/","title":{"rendered":"Acoustic Neuroma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is an Acoustic Neuroma?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neurilemoma, or acoustic neurinoma) is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear and the brain. These growths are made up of Schwann cells which are responsible for producing the myelin sheath, a protective layer that insulates nerve fibers. An acoustic neuroma can result when Schwann cells overproduce, which may happen due to environmental factors like radiation or continual exposure to loud noises. Though noncancerous and typically slow growing, it can affect both hearing and balance, and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness. In rare cases, tumors may become large enough to press against the brain, interfering with vital processes and even leading to death.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What are the types of acoustic neuroma?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Unilateral acoustic neuroma. This type is the most common and affects just one ear and most commonly develops in people who are 30 to 60 years of age. Unilateral acoustic neuromas are the result of environmental factors and although a direct cause is often unclear, past radiation to exposure to the head is a known risk factor. Bilateral acoustic neuroma.  A small percentage of acoustic neuromas are the result of an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2), associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This genetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on both sides of the head.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Causes Acoustic Neuromas?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"More often than not, acoustic neuromas are classified as sporadic, meaning their exact cause is unknown. There is some evidence of a connection between exposure to low-dose radiation of the head and neck during childhood and the development of acoustic neuromas. There are no known risk factors for acoustic neuromas other than having a parent with NF2. If this is the case, children have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the condition themselves.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of Acoustic Neuromas?   \",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Acoustic neuromas, sometimes called vestibular schwannomas, usually grow very slowly (or not at all). Because of this, symptoms early on are often difficult to spot. You may notice gradual hearing loss that is sometimes accompanied by tinnitus. If the tumor continues to grow, additional symptoms are likely to develop. These include: Dizziness and vertigo, facial numbness and weakness, a tingling sensation in the face, changes in taste, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, headaches and confusion.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is the risk of an untreated acoustic neuroma?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"When these tumors go untreated they can grow. If there is no more room to grow in the ear canal, the tumor may enter into the skull cavity and put pressure on the brainstem. This can cause neurological disorders and may be fatal.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Are Acoustic Neuromas Diagnosed?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Your otolaryngologist can diagnose an acoustic neuroma primarily through a review of your symptoms in conjunction with a hearing test and imaging scans (CT or MRI). Because growth of the tumor is usually very slow, many times your doctor will simply want to monitor the tumor\u2019s progress over time, especially when few symptoms are present. Regular imaging tests every six to 12 months can track any growth.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is the most common treatment option?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"Surgery may be an option for tumors that are growing or causing symptoms. Gamma Knife radiosurgery delivers radiation without the need for an incision, but results can take a long time. More invasive surgery may be required, especially if your tumor is growing close to the brain or facial nerve.\"\n}\n    }]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-an-acoustic-neuroma\">What Is an Acoustic Neuroma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ENT-Acoustic-Neuroma-Diagnosis-1536x1024-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1443\" title=\"ENT diagnosing acoustic neuroma\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ENT-Acoustic-Neuroma-Diagnosis-1536x1024-1.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ENT-Acoustic-Neuroma-Diagnosis-1536x1024-1-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neurilemoma, or acoustic neurinoma) is a benign tumor of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear and the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though noncancerous and typically slow-growing, acoustic neuromas can affect both hearing and balance and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus and balance loss. In rare cases, tumors may become large enough to press against the brain, interfering with vital processes and even leading to death.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-acoustic-neuroma\">Types of Acoustic Neuroma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Unilateral acoustic neuroma<\/strong>. This type is the most common and affects just one ear and most commonly develops in people who are 30 to 60 years of age. Unilateral acoustic neuromas result from environmental factors, and although a direct cause is often unclear, past radiation to exposure to the head is a known risk factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bilateral acoustic neuroma.&nbsp;<\/strong>A small percentage of acoustic neuromas result from an inherited disorder called&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ctf.org\/understanding-nf\/nf2\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.ctf.org\/understanding-nf\/nf2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">neurofibromatosis type II (NF2)<\/a>, associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This genetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on both sides of the head.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-causes-acoustic-neuromas\">What Causes Acoustic Neuromas?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>More often than not, acoustic neuromas are classified as sporadic, meaning their exact cause is unknown. There is some evidence of a connection between exposure to low-dose radiation of the head and neck during childhood and acoustic neuromas development.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are no known risk factors for acoustic neuromas other than having a parent with NF2. If this&nbsp;is the case, children have a 50 percent&nbsp;chance of inheriting the condition themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-symptoms-of-acoustic-neuromas\">What Are the Symptoms of Acoustic Neuromas?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because acoustic neuromas usually grow slowly, early symptoms may be difficult to spot.&nbsp;You&nbsp;may notice a gradual hearing loss and may have tinnitus.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the tumor continues to grow, additional symptoms are likely to develop. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Dizziness and vertigo<\/li><li>Facial numbness and weakness<\/li><li>A tingling sensation in the face<\/li><li>Changes in taste<\/li><li>Hoarseness<\/li><li>Difficulty swallowing<\/li><li>Headaches and confusion<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious symptoms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-risk-of-an-untreated-acoustic-neuroma\">What Is the Risk of an Untreated Acoustic Neuroma?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When these tumors go untreated, they can grow. If there is no more room to grow in the ear canal, the tumor may enter into the skull cavity and put pressure on the brainstem. This can cause neurological disorders and may be fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-are-acoustic-neuromas-diagnosed\">How Are Acoustic Neuromas Diagnosed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your otolaryngologist will typically diagnose an acoustic neuroma by reviewing your symptoms in conjunction with a hearing test and imaging scans (CT or MRI). Because tumor growth is usually slow, your doctor may simply monitor the tumor\u2019s progress over time, especially when few symptoms are present. Regular imaging tests every six to 12 months can track any growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-most-common-treatment-option\">What Is the Most Common Treatment Option?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Surgery may be an option for tumors that are growing or causing symptoms. Gamma Knife radiosurgery delivers radiation without the need for an incision, but results can take a long&nbsp;time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-cta-container\">\n<div class=\"content-cta-text\">\n<p>Call Hearing &#038; Balance Institute of Utah at for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"tel:+18018529696\" class=\"phone cta-phone-link\"><svg width=\"14\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M11.9 0H2.1C1.54305 0 1.0089 0.237053 0.615076 0.65901C0.221249 1.08097 0 1.65326 0 2.25L0 21.75C0 22.3467 0.221249 22.919 0.615076 23.341C1.0089 23.7629 1.54305 24 2.1 24H11.9C12.457 24 12.9911 23.7629 13.3849 23.341C13.7788 22.919 14 22.3467 14 21.75V2.25C14 1.65326 13.7788 1.08097 13.3849 0.65901C12.9911 0.237053 12.457 0 11.9 0V0ZM7 22.5C6.81639 22.4999 6.63461 22.461 6.46503 22.3856C6.29545 22.3102 6.14139 22.1997 6.01164 22.0605C5.74962 21.7794 5.60255 21.3983 5.6028 21.001C5.60292 20.8043 5.63921 20.6095 5.70958 20.4278C5.77996 20.2461 5.88305 20.0811 6.01296 19.942C6.27534 19.6613 6.63106 19.5037 7.00187 19.504C7.37267 19.5043 7.7282 19.6623 7.99022 19.9435C8.25225 20.2246 8.39931 20.6057 8.39907 21.003C8.39882 21.4003 8.25128 21.7812 7.9889 22.062C7.72653 22.3427 7.37081 22.5003 7 22.5H6.99907H7ZM11.9 17.44C11.899 17.5882 11.8436 17.73 11.7458 17.8348C11.648 17.9396 11.5157 17.999 11.3773 18H2.62453C2.48591 18 2.35297 17.941 2.25495 17.836C2.15693 17.731 2.10187 17.5885 2.10187 17.44V2.813C2.10187 2.66448 2.15693 2.52204 2.25495 2.41702C2.35297 2.312 2.48591 2.253 2.62453 2.253H11.3736C11.5119 2.25405 11.6443 2.31338 11.7421 2.41818C11.8399 2.52297 11.8953 2.6648 11.8963 2.813L11.9 17.44Z\" fill=\"#FF886D\"\/>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<span class=\"phone-number\">(801) 852-9696<\/span><\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is an Acoustic Neuroma? An acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neurilemoma, or acoustic neurinoma) is a benign tumor of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear and the brain. Though noncancerous and typically slow-growing, acoustic neuromas can affect both hearing and balance and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus and balance&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1520,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1441"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1441"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1441\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=1441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}