Symptoms
Acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing, benign tumor ,therefore the symptoms tend to develop gradually. Loss of hearing in the affected ear is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:
- A buzzing / ringing/hissing noise usually in one ear (tinnitus).
- A heavy/full/blocked feeling in the ear.
- Awkward walking /propensity to stumble due to problems with balancing.
- Vertigo with nausea and vomiting.
- If facial nerve is involved (especially in the case of large tumors) then weakening of facial muscles on one side , sensory impairment, numbness /tingling on one half of the face, loss of taste and reduction in glandular secretion, may be observed.
- Large tumor can block flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), increase intracranial pressure and bring forth associated symptoms such as headache, vomiting, and a change in the person’s level of consciousness.
- If patient has neurofibromatosis, the tumor may be bilateral.
