What Are the Causes of Acoustic Neuroma?

Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor in the brain. Those who suffer from acoustic neuroma can experience hearing loss, facial numbness, loss of balance, and ringing in the ears, due to pressure on cranial nerves. The good news is that acoustic neuroma will not invade brain tissue. Treating the tumors can be done through radiation, monitoring and surgical removal. Although they are the most common types of brain tumors, the causes of acoustic neuroma have yet to be confirmed.

Cause Unknown

• Acoustic neuroma is found most commonly between people of 30 and 60 years old. The cause of acoustic neuroma remains unknown. Persistent exposure to loud noises or heavy cell phone use may lead to acoustic neuroma, but studies suggesting these associations have been inconclusive. While the origin of acoustic neuroma remains a mystery, it may be associated with a growth called neurofibromatosis 2.

Neurofibromatosis 2

• Neurofibromatosis 2 is a rare genetic disorder in which a benign tumor develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve in the inner ear. Most acoustic neuromas develop on this nerve, indicating a connection between Neurofibromatosis 2 and acoustic neuroma tumors. Neurofibromatosis 2 usually affects the nerve on both sides of the head.

Genetic Disorder

• Because neurofibromatosis 2 may be an indication of acoustic neuromas, this leads to the idea that acoustic neuroma is a genetic disorder. Neurofibromatosis 2 can be passed down to a child. Children have a 50/50 chance of inheriting neurofibromatosis 2 if either parent has the disorder.