Have you suddenly lost hearing in one ear and just felt dizzy? Maybe you hear a ringing in your ear? Imagine, you always use the same ear when you talk on the phone, because you realize that you can't hear clearly in the other ear. If you have symptoms like these, the cause may be a condition called Acoustic Neuroma. Don't worry, we'll talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.
What exactly is Acoustic Neuroma?
Simply put, Acoustic Neuroma is a
benign tumor that develops in the ear. Another name for this is Vestibular Schwannoma. This tumor develops in a nerve that carries signals from our inner ear to the brain. To be precise, in the 8th cranial nerve or vestibulocochlear nerve in our skull. This nerve has two main functions. One is
to help us hear . The other is
to control our body's balance . So when a tumor develops in this nerve, both of these functions can be affected.
This type of tumor is not cancerous, and most of the time it grows very slowly. So there is no need to worry. However, it is very important to seek medical advice if symptoms appear.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
Symptoms can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. These symptoms may not be noticeable at first. However, as the tumor grows over time, symptoms may increase.
| Early Signs | Later signs that may occur as the tumor grows |
|---|
| Gradual loss of hearing in one ear: This is the most common symptom. For some people, it can also happen suddenly. | Facial numbness or weakness: This condition can occur when the tumor grows and presses on the nerves in the face. |
| Tinnitus: A persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the affected ear. | Headache: A persistent headache that is different from a normal headache. |
| Balance problems: feeling dizzy when walking, feeling like you are spinning even when standing still (vertigo). | Nausea and vomiting. |
| A feeling of fullness in the ear. | Changes in taste. |
| Difficulty swallowing. |
| Blurred vision or double vision. |
There is a type of cell that surrounds the nerve that I mentioned earlier. These are called
Schwann cells . It's like the plastic sheath around an
electrical wire. This tumor forms when these Schwann cells start to divide uncontrollably for some reason. But
doctors still don't know exactly why these cells divide like this. However, people with a rare genetic condition called `Neurofibromatosis type 2` are at risk of developing tumors like this on both sides.
How does a doctor find this?
If you have these symptoms, your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may then order several tests to confirm the condition.
- MRI and CT scans : These are the best ways to see exactly if the tumor is there, how big it is, and where it is.
- Hearing tests: Various tests are done to check how well your hearing is. `Auditory Brainstem Response` is one such special test.
- Balance tests: These tests look at how your body's balance is affected. Electronystagmography is one test that can be used to check this.
What are the treatments for this?
The treatment plan depends on many factors, including your age, health, the size of the tumor, its location, and the nature of your symptoms. There are several main treatment options.
1. Just watching (Observation)
If the tumor is very small, it is not growing, and you do not have any major symptoms, your doctor may suggest that you wait a while without any treatment. However, during this time
, you will have regular MRI scans to monitor the tumor for any changes. Since this is a benign tumor, this is usually a safe procedure.
2. Special radiation therapy (Stereotactic Radiosurgery)
Although it says "surgery" in the name, this is not actually surgery. What is done here
is that a beam of radiation is directed at the tumor with great precision, without harming the surrounding healthy tissue. This can stop the tumor from growing or cause it to shrink.
3. Surgery
The only way to completely remove this tumor is through surgery. The surgeon goes through the skull and uses very fine instruments (microsurgery) to remove the tumor without damaging the important nerves around it. The surgical procedure may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.
4. Chemotherapy
This is rarely used. Drugs like `Bevacizumab` are sometimes used to shrink tumors. It can be used to preserve hearing, especially in children, and to treat side effects (necrosis) that occur after radiation therapy.
5. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Some people may experience balance problems after surgery. If this happens, a physiotherapist can help you with
special exercises to help you regain balance .
What should I ask the doctor?
It's normal to have questions when you find out you have this condition. Don't hesitate to ask these questions when you talk to your doctor.
- Do I need treatment right away, or is it better to just observe?
- What will my hearing be like after treatment?
- What is the chance that this tumor will come back after surgery or radiation treatment?
- Am I at risk of developing other types of tumors?
- What are the risks and benefits of having surgery ?
- Will I need rehabilitation after treatment?
Take-Home Message
- Acoustic Neuroma is a non-cancerous, very slow-growing tumor, so there is no need to be afraid.
- The main early symptoms are hearing loss in one ear, ringing in the ear, and balance problems.
- If you have these symptoms, definitely see a doctor for advice.
- Not everyone needs surgery. Sometimes, tumor observation or radiation therapy may be enough.
- Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have, no matter how small. Being properly informed is the most important thing.
Acoustic Neuroma, Vestibular Schwannoma, Ear tumor,
Hearing loss, Tinnitus, Vertigo, Loss of balance, 8th cranial nerve, Surgery
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