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Symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma
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Early symptoms are easily overlooked, thus making diagnosis a challenge. There usually are symptoms, however, pointing to the possibility of an acoustic neuroma. The first symptom in 90% of those with a tumor is a reduction in hearing in one ear, often accompanied by ear noise or tinnitus. The loss of hearing is usually subtle and worsens slowly, although occasionally a sudden loss of hearing is noted. There may be a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. These early symptoms are sometimes mistaken
for normal changes of aging, and diagnosis is often delayed.
Since the balance portion of the eighth nerve is where the tumor arises, unsteadiness and balance problems may occur during the growth of the neuroma. The remainder of the balance system sometimes compensates for this loss, and no imbalance will be noticed. Larger tumors can press on the trigeminal nerve, causing facial numbness and tingling, constantly or intermittently. Increase of intracranial pressure may be experienced with headaches, and/or clumsy gait and mental confusion. This is a life-threatening complication requiring urgent treatment.
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