About 2,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year with an acoustic neuroma, a benign brain tumor on a cranial nerve that leads from the brain to the inner ear. An MRI scan of the brain can diagnose the tumor, which can cause hearing loss, balance problems and ringing in the ears.
Many people wait to tell their doctors about the symptoms. Too often, seemingly minor hearing loss is trivialized and ignored. However, if it is in one ear in a person at midlife, that can be a sign of a tumor growing.
For many, the most difficult form of treatment can be the watch and wait method, in which a doctor monitors the growth of the tumor and waits to see if surgery is necessary. About 20 percent of patients with acoustic neuroma choose to watch and wait. A benefit of that method is that patients can avoid the complications associated with radiation and surgery.
Radiation is often the best option for older patients. The sooner an acoustic neuroma is diagnosed, the more options a patient has.
Anyone with an unexplained one sided hearing loss, especially later in life, should see their community ear, nose and throat physician. For those living in Arizona, local audiologist in Scottsdale and Phoenix can help with a diagnosis of possible healing issues.
People of all ages should educate themselves about options for maintaining a good quality of life through better hearing. Residents of Arizona have access to one of the countries most cutting edge chain of hearing centers. Phoenix hearing aids and Scottsdale hearing aids can be obtained at Purtone Hearing Centers in Arizona. With a total of eight locations around Arizona, your hearing needs can be accommodated no matter where you live in Arizona.