Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
Assessment and management of acoustic neuroma and other skull base conditions with Dr Rithvik Reddy, ENT surgeon with fellowship training in skull base surgery.
What is an acoustic neuroma?
An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a benign (non-cancerous), usually slow-growing tumour that arises from the balance nerve, which runs alongside the hearing and facial nerves between the inner ear and the brain.
Symptoms
Hearing loss in one ear, often gradual (asymmetric hearing loss)
Ringing or noise in one ear (one-sided tinnitus)
Imbalance or unsteadiness
Occasionally, a sudden drop in hearing
Many other conditions cause these symptoms, and most people investigated for them do not have an acoustic neuroma.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made with a dedicated high-resolution MRI of the internal auditory canals, usually recommended when a hearing test shows sensorineural hearing loss that is worse in one ear, or when there is one-sided tinnitus or sudden hearing loss. About 95 to 99% of people scanned for these reasons do not have a vestibular schwannoma, and a normal MRI is the most common result. See asymmetric hearing loss and MRI (PDF).
Sudden hearing loss is urgent. If hearing drops suddenly, seek same-day medical or ENT assessment rather than waiting for a routine MRI. See sudden sensorineural hearing loss (PDF).
Treatment options
Most tumours found through screening are small and slow-growing. Management is individualised and may include:
Observation with repeat MRI scans to monitor for growth
Focused radiation treatment (stereotactic radiosurgery)
Surgery to remove the tumour
The best option depends on the tumour’s size and growth, hearing, balance, age, general health and your preferences. Dr Reddy works closely with neurosurgeons and is part of a multidisciplinary skull base tumour meeting, so each plan is reviewed by a specialist team. He completed fellowship training in skull base surgery at King’s College Hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London.
Hearing after an acoustic neuroma
Hearing in the affected ear can be reduced by the tumour or its treatment. Options to help include hearing aids and devices that send sound from the poorer ear to the better-hearing ear, and Dr Reddy can discuss hearing rehabilitation as part of your care.
Patient information sheet
Download the Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma) information sheet (PDF), which covers growth, watchful waiting, radiosurgery, the surgical approaches and follow-up scans.
Please note: this sheet is a general summary of the published medical literature. The figures describe groups of patients and are not specific to your condition. Your own tumour size, growth, hearing, health and preferences all shape your options and risks, and Dr Reddy will discuss these with you individually.
If you are waiting on an MRI for one-sided hearing loss, see Asymmetric Hearing Loss and MRI (PDF).
Other skull base conditions
Dr Reddy also manages neurofibromatosis type 2, meningiomas and cerebrospinal fluid leaks involving the ear and skull base.
Referral
GPs, paediatricians and other specialists can refer via HealthLink (Macarthur ENT EDI: macarent; My-ENT EDI: myentdr), email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com or use the online referral form. Dr Reddy consults in Sydney CBD, Gregory Hills and Campbelltown.
Dr Rithvik Reddy
Expert ENT services for adults and children.
Contact for appointments
Referring doctors can email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com to make appointment
Macarthur ENT
Shop 2101, Level 2, 31A Lasso Rd, Gregory Hills NSW 2557
Suite 102, Building B, Level 1, 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone (02) 4625 1682 · Fax (02) 4625 1032
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
My-ENT, Sydney CBD
Suite 303, Level 3, BMA House, 135 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9247 1762 · Fax (02) 9247 2141
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm
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