Marc S. Schwartz, MD
- Neurosurgeon
- Co-director, Acoustic Neuroma Program
- Chief of Skull Base Surgery
- Professor of Neurological Surgery
Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) Symptoms and Diagnosis
A vestibular schwannoma, or acoustic neuroma, is a non-cancerous (benign) tumor that grows on the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve connects your inner ear to your brain and is responsible for hearing and balance.
This rare tumor develops from the cells covering the nerve (Schwann cells) and typically grows slowly. As it gets larger, it can press on the hearing and balance nerves, causing hearing loss, ear ringing (tinnitus), dizziness or unsteadiness.
In most cases, the hearing loss happens in one ear and may worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
The good news is that acoustic neuromas do not become cancerous. They grow very slowly, if at all, and don't spread to other body parts. But if they get too large, they can press on nearby nerves or parts of the brain, which might make symptoms worse.
In severe cases, complications can arise due to pressure on vital brain structures. Early diagnosis and treatment with monitoring, surgical removal or radiation therapy can help prevent this.
A diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma can be scary. Establishing a cooperative relationship with your treatment team is the first and most important step in treating acoustic neuroma. The UC San Diego Health acoustic neuroma program takes a patient-centered approach and includes experts in surgery, radiology, genetics, radiation therapy, audiology and rehabilitation.
Our patient navigators, who are former acoustic neuroma patients themselves, will guide you through all the steps before, during and after treatment.
Acoustic Neuroma Symptoms
Consider seeing a doctor if you experience these possible signs of an acoustic neuroma:
- Hearing loss that happens in only one ear (or is worse in one ear)
- A ringing or buzzing sound in one ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or trouble keeping your balance (vertigo)
- Feeling like one ear is "full" or blocked without any obvious reason
Acoustic Neuroma Causes and Risk Factors
Radiation exposure to the head is the only environmental influence that has been definitively linked with an increased incidence of acoustic neuroma. No evidence currently exists for an association between cell phone use and the development of these tumors.
Acoustic neuroma is not generally considered an inherited disease; however, 5% of cases are associated with a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). These individuals show two-sided vestibular tumors often associated with other tumors around the brain and/or in the spine.
We offer genetic testing when appropriate. Most acoustic neuromas are sporadic (nonhereditary).
Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis and Evaluation
Hearing loss can have many causes, and in rare cases, it can be an early sign of an acoustic neuroma. There are several steps to diagnose acoustic neuroma:
- An acoustic neuroma is often diagnosed by looking at your medical history, doing a physical exam, and using specific tests. Your doctor will ask about symptoms like hearing loss, ear ringing (tinnitus), or balance issues.
- The best way to diagnose an acoustic neuroma is usually with an MRI scan, which gives clear pictures of your brain and inner ear. If an MRI isn't an option, a CT scan might be used instead. Your doctor may also suggest a hearing test (audiogram) to check for hearing loss, which is often one of the first signs of an acoustic neuroma.
- These tests help confirm if you have an acoustic neuroma and show its size and location. This information helps your doctor decide on the best treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose UC San Diego Health for Acoustic Neuroma Treatment?
High-Volume Program
Our expert team performs the most vestibular schwannoma surgeries in the nation. Studies show that patients treated at a high-volume center have superior outcomes. View research findings.
Deeply Experienced Team
Drs. Friedman and Schwartz have worked together for more than two decades to treat acoustic neuromas. They have performed more than 3,000 acoustic neuroma surgeries.
Reduced Operative Time and Shorter Stay
Our patients stay in the hospital 2 to 3 days, for a total of 9 to 10 days in San Diego, which is especially helpful to those who travel for their treatment.
Fewer Complications and Readmissions
High Success Rate of Hearing Preservation With Middle Fossa Procedure
Comprehensive Services in One Convenient Location
Video: How Expert Acoustic Neuroma Care at UC San Diego Health Changed Patient’s Life
Julie Hudash shares how expert care and compassion at UC San Diego Health helped her regain her life after an acoustic neuroma diagnosis.
Note: An extended, audio-described version of this video, including narration of important visual elements, is available on the UC San Diego Health YouTube channel: Play the audio-described version.
Acoustic Neuroma Patient Education Day
Join acoustic neuroma specialists Dr. Rick Friedman and Dr. Marc Schwartz for a free educational event designed for patients, families and caregivers. Learn about diagnosis, treatment options and recovery through expert presentations. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with other patients and caregivers for support and shared experiences.
- Registration is required.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, Goldberg Auditorium, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
Acoustic Neuroma Specialists and Doctors
Rick A. Friedman, MD, PhD
- Neurotologist
- Vice Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Director, Acoustic Neuroma Program
Krish Suresh, MD
- Otologist/Neurotologist
- Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Jeffrey P. Harris, MD, PhD
- Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
- Distinguished Professor of Surgery
Quyen Nguyen, MD, PhD
- Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
- Professor of Pharmacology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Jacqueline Greene, MD
- Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
- Assistant Professor of Surgery
Study Shows Acoustic Neuroma Surgery Improves Quality of Life
UC San Diego researchers published a study in Otology & Neurotology that found that using an innovative surgical approach to remove an acoustic neuroma, a slow-growing, benign brain tumor, improved hearing preservation and quality of life for patients while also presenting excellent facial nerve outcomes.
Advanced Brain and Ear Surgery Restores Hearing for Musician
Specialized acoustic neuroma care and leading-edge cochlear implantation technology helped one musician return to his craft.
Acoustic Neuroma Patient Story: Physician Reclaims His Marathon Dream
This patient story follows Dr. Sunny Sharma's acoustic neuroma diagnosis, surgery, gamma knife treatment and recovery to marathon running.
Teen's Hearing Preserved and Hope Restored
At just 13, Lexi Rains faced hearing loss from a rare brain tumor. Discover how expert surgeons at UC San Diego Health preserved her hearing and changed her life.