{"id":1599,"date":"2022-10-11T17:23:05","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T23:23:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.fm1.dev\/?page_id=1599"},"modified":"2023-04-06T10:27:17","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T16:27:17","slug":"acoustic-neuroma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/ear-problems\/acoustic-neuroma\/","title":{"rendered":"Acoustic Neuroma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\"> \n\n{ \n\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \n\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \n\n  \"mainEntity\": [{ \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"What is an acoustic neuroma?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear and the brain. 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\n  }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"What Causes Acoustic Neuromas?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"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\nMore 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.   \n\n \n\nThere 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\n  }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of Acoustic Neuromas?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\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.   \n\n \n\nIf 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. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious symptoms.\" \n\n    } \n\n }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"How Are Acoustic Neuromas Treated?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\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\nSurgery 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 } \n\n ] \n\n  } \n\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear and the brain. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Causes an Acoustic Neuroma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A small percentage of acoustic neuromas are the result of an inherited disorder called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/neurofibromatosis\/neurofibromatosis-type-2\">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. More often than not, acoustic neuromas are classified as idiopathic, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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% chance of inheriting the condition themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustic Neuroma Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Acoustic-Neuroma-Diagnosis-1536x1024-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1826\" width=\"444\" height=\"296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Acoustic-Neuroma-Diagnosis-1536x1024-1.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Acoustic-Neuroma-Diagnosis-1536x1024-1-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 444px) 100vw, 444px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>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 experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Gradual hearing loss, usually affecting one ear (although, in some cases, hearing loss may be sudden)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/ear-problems\/tinnitus-management\/\">Tinnitus<\/a>, or ringing in the ear, on one side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/ear-problems\/balance-testing\/\">Dizziness<\/a>, clumsiness, or loss of balance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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>\n<li>Facial numbness or weakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tingling sensation in the face<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changes in the taste of food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hoarseness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confusion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diagnosing and Treating Acoustic Neuromas<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/analyzing-mri-scan-for-acoustic-neuroma-1536x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2019\" width=\"411\" height=\"154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/analyzing-mri-scan-for-acoustic-neuroma-1536x576.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/analyzing-mri-scan-for-acoustic-neuroma-768x288.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/analyzing-mri-scan-for-acoustic-neuroma-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 411px) 100vw, 411px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Your otologist\/neurotologist will be able to discuss the different treatment options available. Surgery may be an option for tumors that are growing or causing symptoms. <a href=\"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/ear-problems\/gamma-knife-radiosurgery\/\">Gamma Knife Radiosurgery<\/a> delivers precise radiation without the need for an incision, and can be an effective treatment depending on the size and location of the tumor. More invasive surgery may be required, especially if the tumor is growing close to the brain or facial nerve. The Rocky Mountain Ear Center&#8217;s professionals will be able to provide comprehensive care to not only acoustic neuromas but other issues involving the lateral skull base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<var style=\"width:100%; padding-bottom:56.25%; display:block;\" data-presentation=\"251cb2f7-423e-4ad8-4b95-4bbb413a4311\"><a href=\"http:\/\/fyi.rendia.com\/kUA3V7\" style=\"display:none\">View Video<\/a><\/var><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/\/hub.rendia.com\/whitelabel\/embed_js\"><\/script>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-cta-container\">\n<div class=\"content-cta-top-text\">Call Rocky Mountain Ear Center for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-cta-ph-num-container\">\n<div class=\"content-cta-ph-num-box\">\n<div class=\"content-cta-ph-num-top\">\n<div class=\"content-cta-ph-num-top\"><a href=\"tel:+13037839220\" class=\"phone content-cta-ph-num\"><svg width=\"11\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 11 18\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M9.0036 0H1.7964C1.31997 0 0.863044 0.189263 0.526153 0.526153C0.189263 0.863044 0 1.31997 0 1.7964V16.2027C0 17.1954 0.8046 18 1.7964 18H9.0027C9.47922 18 9.93623 17.8108 10.2733 17.4739C10.6103 17.137 10.7998 16.6801 10.8 16.2036V1.7964C10.8 1.31997 10.6107 0.863044 10.2738 0.526153C9.93696 0.189263 9.48003 0 9.0036 0V0ZM5.4 17.1C4.779 17.1 4.275 16.6977 4.275 16.2C4.275 15.7023 4.779 15.3 5.4 15.3C6.021 15.3 6.525 15.7023 6.525 16.2C6.525 16.6977 6.021 17.1 5.4 17.1ZM9 14.4H1.8V1.8H9V14.4Z\" fill=\"#035440\"\/>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<span class=\"phone-number\">(303) 783-9220<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear and the brain. 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&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1721,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"Acoustic Neuroma | Rocky Mountain Ear Center","_seopress_titles_desc":"[phone format=&quot;&lt;phone&gt;&quot;] | An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. Contact us to learn more.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1599"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1599"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1599\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1599"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=1599"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}