Health's Book

Definition

An acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous (benign), often slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. It is located behind the ear right under the brain.

Symptoms

The symptoms vary based on the size and location of the tumor. Because the tumor grows so slowly, symptoms usually start after the age of 30.

Common symptoms include:

* Abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo)
* Hearing loss in the affected ear that makes it hard to hear conversations
* Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear

Less common symptoms include:

* Difficulty understanding speech
* Dizziness
* Headache
o Upon waking up in the morning
o Wakes you from sleep
o Worse when lying down
o Worse when standing up
o Worse when coughing, sneezing, straining, or lifting (Valsalva maneuver)
o With nausea or vomiting
* Loss of balance
* Numbness in the face or one ear
* Pain in the face or one ear
* Sleepiness
* Vision problems
* Weakness of the face