Acoustic Neuroma

Overview

An acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a noncancerous (benign) tumor that develops on a nerve that affects your hearing and balance (eighth cranial nerve). Acoustic neuromas usually grow slowly and except in rare circumstances involve only one side of the head. People who have acoustic neuromas that affect both hearing nerves have neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare genetic condition that affects your nervous system and causes tumors to develop.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience and expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in nervous system conditions (neurologists) and doctors trained in brain surgery (neurosurgeons) and hearing and balance disorders (neurotologists) have experience diagnosing and treating brain and nervous system conditions, including acoustic neuromas.
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic neurologists and neurosurgeons work with doctors trained in brain and nervous system tumor treatment (neuro-oncologists), doctors trained in ear, nose and throat conditions (otolaryngologists), hearing specialists (audiologists), doctors trained in radiation therapy (radiation oncologists), doctors trained in imaging (radiologists) and other doctors to tailor your treatment plan to your needs.
• Research. Mayo Clinic doctors conduct research studying new or improved treatments for acoustic neuroma and other nervous system conditions.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics.

Read more about acoustic neuroma at MayoClinic.com.