Skip to main contentSkip to main content

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)


benign brain tumour is a growth in the brain that usually grows slowly over many years and does not spread to other parts of the body.



Acoustic neuromas tend to affect adults aged 30 to 60 and usually have no obvious cause, although a small number of cases are the result of a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

Symptoms of an acoustic neuroma

An acoustic neuroma may not cause any obvious symptoms at first.

Any symptoms tend to develop gradually and often include:

  • hearing loss that usually only affects 1 ear
  • hearing sounds that come from inside the body (tinnitus)
  • the sensation that you're moving or spinning (vertigo)

A large acoustic neuroma can also sometimes cause:

Getting medical advice




  • hearing tests to check for hearing problems and determine whether they're caused by a problem with your nerves
  • an MRI scan, which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed picture of the inside of your head
  • a CT scan, which uses a series of X-rays to create a detailed image of the inside of your head

Treatments for acoustic neuromas


The main options are:


All these options carry some risks. For example, surgery and radiosurgery can sometimes cause facial numbness or an inability to move part of your face (paralysis).


Outlook for acoustic neuromas




These problems may need additional treatment.

Read more about treating hearing loss and treating tinnitus.


You'll probably continue having regular MRI scans after any treatment to check if the tumour is growing again or coming back.

The 100,000 Genomes Project

If your doctor thinks there could be a genetic cause for your acoustic neuroma, you may be invited to take part in the 100,000 Genomes Project.

Your DNA will be studied to find out more about the cause of your condition.

The aim is to create a new personalised medicine service for the NHS. This should transform the way people are cared for.

Find out if you might be able to take part