Acoustic Neuroma Tinnitus Treatments

Acoustic neuroma is characterized by a non-cancerous tumor that forms on the cranial nerve that runs from the brain to the inner ear. It is one of the less common causes of tinnitus, which causes ringing or other sounds in the ear. Treatments are available for both of these conditions and will depend on several factors. Besides separate treatments for tinnitus, treating the acoustic neuroma will most likely improve tinnitus symptoms.

Monitoring the Tumor

• Acoustic neuromas are typically slow growing. If your tumor is small and is only causing minor or no symptoms, watchful waiting is usually recommended. This is especially true of people who are not good candidates for the standard treatments, like the elderly or those in poor health. Your doctor will schedule you for periodic scans and hearing tests to determine if the tumor is growing larger or causing complications. If at some point your doctor determines the tumor is becoming problematic, he will suggest a course of action for treatment.

Treatment Options for Acoustic Neuroma

• If your tumor is causing complications like progressive hearing loss, you have two treatment options available to you. Your doctor can help you determine which option is appropriate for your circumstances.

  Sterotactic radiosurgery directs several radiation beams directly into the tumor. Each of the beams are relatively weak but when they meet at the tumor, deliver a strong dose of radiation. This procedure aims to stop the growth of the tumor. The full effect can take months or years. You will need regular follow-up testing and imaging to gauge progress.

  Surgical removal aims to remove the entire tumor to protect the facial nerve, prevent facial paralysis and preserve hearing. You will require a hospital stay of up to a week after the surgery. You might also receive radiosurgery at some point if the operation was not able to remove the whole tumor.

Noise Suppression for Tinnitus

• Use devices that emit "white noise", a particular type of sound that masks noises like the ringing common in tinnitus. It is found in white noise machines, certain hearing aids and masking devices, which are similar to hearing aids.

Medical Treatment for Tinnitus

• Certain medications, normally used for other conditions, can reduce symptoms but cannot cure the condition.

  Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline are used for severe cases; possible side effects include dry mouth, blurry vision and heart problems. Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication, is another possible treatment. It is potentially addicting and causes side effects like drowsiness and nausea. Campral, used to treat alcohol addiction, seems to work in some people but more research is needed to determine effectiveness.

Self-Care Suggestions for Tinnitus

• You can do several things to avoid aggravating your tinnitus. Avoid common irritants like loud music and nicotine, which interferes with blood flow. Stress aggravates this condition; do your best to manage stress in your life. Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. It dilates the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to your inner ear, exacerbating the symptoms.