Ear Machine Clinic Explains Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuroma is a benign, slow-growing tumour that develops on the vestibular nerve that connects your inner ear to your brain. This nerve's branches directly impact your balance and hearing and pressure from an acoustic neuroma can cause hearing loss, ringing in your ear and instability, says an expert of an ear machine clinic in Kolkata.

Acoustic neuroma is often formed by the Schwann cells surrounding this nerve and develops slowly. Sometimes it can grow quickly and become large enough to press against the brain and interfere with vital functions in rare cases.

Symptoms

Acoustic neuroma symptoms and signs are often difficult to detect and can take years to develop. They often occur due to the tumour's impact on the hearing and balance nerves. The tumor's pressure on nearby nerves controlling facial muscles and sensations (facial and trigeminal nerves), nearby blood vessels, or brain structures can also cause issues.

As the tumour grows, the signs and symptoms can become more noticeable or severe, says the specialist of hearing aid fitting in Kolkata.

The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of acoustic neuroma:

• Hearing loss that usually worsens over months to years but can be sudden in rare cases and occurs on only one side or is more severe on one side 

• Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear 

• Unsteadiness or loss of balance

• Vertigo (dizziness) 

• Facial numbness and weakness or loss of muscle movement

An acoustic neuroma can grow large enough to compress the brainstem and become life-threatening in rare cases.

When should you go to the doctor?

Consult your doctor if you notice hearing loss in one ear, ringing in your ear, or difficulty balancing.

Early detection of an acoustic neuroma can aid in preventing the tumour from developing large enough to have catastrophic repercussions such as complete hearing loss, says the expert of hearing loss treatment in Kolkata.