An acoustic neuroma--which is also referred to as vestibular schwannoma--is a tumor that grows within the nerves that connect the inner ear and the brain. The growth of this noncancerous tumor is believed to occur because of a genetic defect, though the cause of this defect is unknown. Your doctor may recommend surgery to help alleviate symptoms associated with acoustic neuroma.
Vertigo
The nerves that run between your inner ear and brain allow you to hear and maintain your balance normally. Tumor growth caused by an acoustic neuroma can interrupt the nerve signaling between your brain and your ears, which can lead to difficulties with balance. If you have an acoustic neuroma, you can develop a condition called vertigo. Vertigo can cause you to feel as though the room is spinning or you can feel unsteady when you walk. Additional vertigo symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, loss of balance, blurred vision, nausea or vomiting.
Tinnitus
Abnormal tumor growth within the nerves of the inner ear canal can cause damage within this region of your ears. If this occurs, you can develop an auditory disorder called tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition that causes abnormal ringing sounds within the ear, despite the absence of external noise. Additional sensations you can experience within your ears include buzzing, hissing, whistling, roaring or clicking. Such sensations can develop in one or both ears and can significantly interfere with your ability to focus, concentrate or hear normally.
Hearing Loss
Nerve damage within the ear or blockage of the inner ear canal due to tumor formation can cause hearing loss. In certain people, hearing loss that occurs due to acoustic neuroma is permanent. As this condition progresses, hearing loss becomes more severe and can cause complete deafness in one or both ears. Symptoms of hearing loss may also be accompanied by tinnitus and vertigo.
Facial Weakness
As acoustic neuroma progresses, you can develop a large tumor that presses into the nerves that lead into your facial tissue. If this occurs, you might have numbness or paralysis within your facial muscles, explains the Mayfield Clinic in Cincinnati, Ohio. Such symptoms can interfere with your ability to move your face normally while smiling, laughing or speaking. A large acoustic neuroma within the inner ear canal can also cause pain or numbness within one or both ears.
