{"id":213,"date":"2019-12-17T16:45:37","date_gmt":"2019-12-18T00:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nwearinstitute.fm1.dev\/acoustic-neuromas\/"},"modified":"2022-02-10T14:15:13","modified_gmt":"2022-02-10T22:15:13","slug":"acoustic-neuromas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nwearinstitute.com\/ear-conditions\/acoustic-neuromas\/","title":{"rendered":"Acoustic Neuromas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What Is an Acoustic Neuroma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An acoustic neuroma is a benign, slow-growing tumor that develops on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. This nerve has two different parts: One is involved with transmitting auditory signals to the brain while the other helps send balance signals to the brain. The tumor tends to grow at a rate of one to two millimeters each year but sometimes faster or not at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In rare cases the tumor grows rapidly, becoming large enough to press against the brain and interfere with vital functions. Large tumors can put pressure on nearby cranial nerves that control facial muscles and sensations, affecting facial function. If the tumors become large enough to put pressure on the brainstem or cerebellum \u2014 which control motor and sensory function, and play a role in cardiac and respiratory function \u2014 they can be deadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Causes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If the acoustic neuroma is the result of a genetic disorder, it will typically develop in both ears due to a malfunctioning gene in a specific chromosome. This gene normally produces a protein that helps control the growth of certain cells covering the nerves, but without this protein, the cells overproduce and wrap around the nerve, leading to the formation of the tumor. This disorder is called neurofibromatosis type 2 and is rare; neurofibromatosis accounts for only 5% of acoustic neuromas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical researchers are not yet certain what causes an acoustic neuroma to materialize randomly in the other 95% of cases, but exposure to high doses of radiation, especially to the head and neck, may be a risk factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Early symptoms are often subtle and are usually a direct result of the tumor disrupting the auditory nerve, nearby blood vessels, or brain structures. Symptoms are likely to change or progress as the tumor increases in size, but it\u2019s possible for even a small tumor to cause significant signs and symptoms. You may experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n