{"id":1105,"date":"2019-09-13T14:01:03","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T18:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlestonhearing.com\/?p=1105"},"modified":"2019-09-23T12:49:10","modified_gmt":"2019-09-23T16:49:10","slug":"acoustic-neuroma-benign-tumor-that-affects-hearing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hearingsc.com\/acoustic-neuroma-benign-tumor-that-affects-hearing\/","title":{"rendered":"Acoustic Neuroma: Benign Tumor that Affects Hearing"},"content":{"rendered":"
The most common causes of hearing loss in Charleston are aging, noise exposure, trauma and disease. Though less common, tumors called acoustic neuromas can also lead to hearing loss.<\/p>\n
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Acoustic neuromas are slow-growing tumors that form on the vestibular nerve. They are benign (non-cancerous), but if they grow big enough, they can press against the brainstem, causing hearing and balance problems. Acoustic neuromas are broken down into two types:<\/p>\n
It is possible that both types of acoustic neuroma are the result of gene defects. If so, unilateral acoustic neuromas are likely an acquired mutation, in contrast to bilateral acoustic neuromas, which are inherited.<\/p>\n
When acoustic neuromas\u00a0 are small, they may cause no discernible symptoms. As they grow larger, patients may experience the following:<\/p>\n
Treatment depends on a variety of factors. Tumor size, growth rate, patient age and health and overall wishes will all be taken into consideration. Often, doctors take a wait-and-see approach, monitoring the tumor regularly for signs of growth. Regular checkups and MRIs help physicians monitor the acoustic neuroma.<\/p>\n
If acoustic neuromas grow too big, they can push against the brainstem\u2014a potentially life-threatening condition. These may need to be removed surgically. Different procedures are available depending on the patient\u2019s symptoms. Craniotomy and stereotactic radiosurgery are two popular options.<\/p>\n
Once the acoustic neuroma is removed, hearing and balance rehabilitation are often recommended. Possible complications include hearing loss and facial nerve damage. Hearing aids or cochlear implants can help those who suffer permanent hearing loss as a result of their acoustic neuroma.<\/p>\n
For more information on these tumors that affect hearing and balance, contact<\/a> an audiologist in Charleston today. <\/p>\n West Ashley<\/strong><\/a>
\nRelated Hearing Loss Posts:<\/h3>\n
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Our Charleston Area Audiologists Office Locations<\/h3>\n
\n2295 Henry Tecklenburg Dr<\/strong>
\nCharleston, SC 29414<\/strong>
\n(843) 766-7103<\/strong><\/p>\n