Definition

A benign (not cancer) tumor that forms on the nerves in the inner ear and can affect hearing and balance. Vestibular schwannomas usually grow slowly and affect one side of the body. Common signs and symptoms include hearing loss or ringing in one ear, loss of balance, dizziness, and numbness and paralysis in the face. Sometimes these tumors may grow large and press against the facial nerve or other nearby nerves. Rarely, they may press against certain parts of the brain, which could be life threatening. Vestibular schwannomas that affect the nerves in both ears are often caused by a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis type 2. Vestibular schwannomas usually occur in people aged 30 to 60 years. Also called acoustic neuroma.