Also called: Vestibular Schwannoma; Neurinoma
Acoustic neuroma is a benign brain tumor that is usually slow-growing. Benign brain tumors usually have a distinct tumor border, and rarely spread or invade surrounding brain tissue. Though the word ‘benign’ may sound harmless, a benign tumor located in a vital area of the brain can be life threatening or fatal without treatment. Acoustic neuroma most often develops on the vestibular nerve (which affects balance) or auditory (cochlear) nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. The tumor can put pressure on these nerves, which may alter or impair balance and hearing.