Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) - NHS
Acoustic Neuroma Removal & Hearing Impact
An acoustic neuroma (also called vestibular schwannoma) is a benign tumour that grows on the eighth cranial nerve, which affects hearing and balance. Surgical removal is often necessary when the tumour grows or causes symptoms.
Impact on Hearing
- Hearing loss is the most common complication in the ear affected by the tumour.
The degree of hearing loss depends on:
- Tumour size
- Location
- Preoperative hearing status
- Surgical approach (e.g., translabyrinthine often results in complete hearing loss; middle fossa or retrosigmoid may preserve hearing).
- Hearing loss may be partial or complete.
Treatment Options for Hearing Loss Post-Surgery
If hearing is lost or significantly impaired after surgery, several options are available:
A Cros Hearing Aid
- For unilateral hearing loss (one deaf ear, one no ear).
- A microphone on the deaf ear transmits sound to the hearing ear.
- Helps to bring sound to the normal hearing ear.
Percutaneous or Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implant
- Uses bone conduction to transmit sound from the deaf side to the hearing cochlea.
- Can be helpful but doesn’t provide bilateral hearing.
- Involves a small titanium implant or magnet behind the ear.
A trial with a CROS Soft Band can help to decide regarding a permanent bone conduction implantable solution
- A bone conduction device is mounted on a soft headband. It picks up sound from the deaf side and transmits it through bone conduction to the functioning cochlea on the other side.
- Non-invasive and adjustable temporary use before surgery or implant.
Cochlear Implant
- For profound hearing loss when the auditory nerve still has function to transmit the signal from the implant in the cochlear to the brain.
- Surgically implanted device that directly stimulates the auditory nerve.
- Additional testing is required during or after the tumour removal to assess the integrity of the hearing nerve.
- Can provide ear specific stimulation to help localisation and speech in noise
Conventional Hearing Aid
- May be used if some residual hearing remains in the affected ear.
Listening Rehabilitation
- Tailored to individual needs and hearing profiles to support the hearing intervention offered.