Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Vestibular schwannoma, commonly known as acoustic neuroma, is a rare, non-cancerous (benign) tumor that grows on the main nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. This growth can disrupt hearing and balance, often causing symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and dizziness as the tumor puts pressure on the auditory and vestibular nerves. What causes Vestibular Schwannoma-Acoustic neuroma? A vestibular schwannoma arises from an overproduction of Schwann cells, which normally wrap around and support nerve fibers.
What is Vestibular Schwannoma-Acoustic neuroma
What is Vestibular Schwannoma-Acoustic neuroma? Plain-language, medically reviewed definition plus the lived reality told by patients.
Vestibular schwannoma, commonly known as acoustic neuroma, is a rare, non-cancerous (benign) tumor that grows on the main nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. This growth can disrupt hearing and balance, often causing symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and dizziness as the tumor puts pressure on the auditory and vestibular nerves.
What causes Vestibular Schwannoma-Acoustic neuroma?
A vestibular schwannoma arises from an overproduction of Schwann cells, which normally wrap around and support nerve fibers. While the exact trigger for this overgrowth is often unknown, it is frequently associated with the loss of function of a tumor-suppressor gene on chromosome 22. In the vast majority of cases, these tumors occur sporadically, meaning they are not inherited.
Who is typically affected by this condition?
Vestibular schwannoma is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. It affects men and women with equal frequency. While it is considered a rare disease, it is the most common tumor of the cerebellopontine angle. Approximately 1 in 1,000 people will develop a vestibular schwannoma in their lifetime, though many remain small and asymptomatic for long periods.
How does Vestibular Schwannoma-Acoustic neuroma present?
Because the tumor grows slowly, symptoms often develop gradually. Key indicators include:
- Unilateral hearing loss: Gradual decline in hearing, usually in only one ear.
- Tinnitus: A persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the affected ear.
- Balance issues: Feeling unsteady, dizzy, or experiencing vertigo.
- Facial numbness: Occurs in larger tumors pressing on the trigeminal nerve.
Is there a difference between sporadic and hereditary types?
Most cases of vestibular schwannoma are unilateral and sporadic. However, when the condition occurs in both ears, it is often a hallmark of Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the NF2 gene. Distinguishing between a solitary vestibular schwannoma and NF2 is critical for long-term management and genetic counseling.
Next steps
- Consult an otolaryngologist or a neurotologist to evaluate hearing and balance symptoms.
- Request an MRI with contrast, which is the gold standard for imaging a vestibular schwannoma.
- Join the 41 members of the DiseaseMaps.org community to share experiences and find peer support.
- Discuss management options, such as "watch and wait," stereotactic radiosurgery, or microsurgery, with a skull-base specialist.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Vestibular schwannoma.
- Orphanet: Vestibular schwannoma.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): Acoustic Neuroma.
- Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA).
