{"id":223,"date":"2019-06-19T20:43:05","date_gmt":"2019-06-19T20:43:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blueridge-ent.fm1.dev\/ear\/acoustic-neuromas\/"},"modified":"2021-09-14T18:55:48","modified_gmt":"2021-09-14T22:55:48","slug":"acoustic-neuromas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blueridge-ent.com\/ear\/acoustic-neuromas\/","title":{"rendered":"Acoustic Neuromas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear<\/a> and the brain. Though noncancerous and typically slow growing, it can affect both hearing and balance, and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness. In rare cases, tumors may become large enough to press against the brain, interfering with vital processes and even leading to death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A small percentage of acoustic neuromas are the result of an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2)<\/a>, associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This genetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on both sides of the head. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More often than not, acoustic neuromas are classified as sporadic, meaning their exact cause is unknown. There is some evidence of a connection between exposure to low-dose radiation of the head and neck<\/a> during childhood and the development of acoustic neuromas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are no known risk factors for acoustic neuromas other than having a parent with NF2. If this is the case, children have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the condition themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Causes Acoustic Neuromas? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n