Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)

Vestibular schwannoma, formerly called acoustic neuroma, is a benign tumor. It usually starts on the balance nerve, called the vestibular nerve. This nerve runs next to the hearing nerve, called the cochlear nerve. These nerves lead from the inner ear to the brain, as shown in the top image. Pressure from the tumor can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear and balance problems. In some cases, the tumor may grow and affect the cerebellum or other nearby brain tissue, as shown in the MRI scan and illustrations above.