Acoustic Neuroma

​Acoustic neuroma is a rare, noncancerous tumor that develops on the main nerve connecting the ear to the brain. The tumor grows slowly and presses on the hearing and balance nerves in the inner ear. This pressure can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and loss of balance.

Acoustic neuroma is also called a vestibular schwannoma, as it is caused by the overproduction of Schwann cells in the nervous system.

At UC San Diego Health, we focus on compassionate, comprehensive care for patients with acoustic neuroma. Starting with the first phone call and extending through all aspects of care, our dedicated patient navigator eases you through the process and our expert team is ready to help you achieve the best outcome possible.

Request a Phone Consultation

Learn about treatment options for acoustic neuroma

Our program offers patients several advantages:

• Experience and a high volume of patients. We perform twice as many acoustic neuroma surgeries as the next highest program in the country.
  
• Reduced operative time and a shorter length of stay in the hospital (2 to 3 days; 9-10 days total in San Diego), which is especially helpful to our many patients who travel to San Diego for their treatment
• Reduced complications and readmissions
• High success rate of hearing preservation in middle fossa candidates
• Comprehensive services in one location, including:


Jacobs Medical Center

• All three approaches to microsurgical resection, as well as options for radiosurgery or observation
• Complete management of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)
• An integrated vestibular therapy program to promote faster balance recovery and return to activity
• Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT), which can help reduce the need for opiates and shorten hospital stay
• Audiology services
• Resources for patients, including access to onsite and virtual support groups, and complimentary review of medical records for new patients

Our Acoustic Neuroma Team

Led by Drs. Rick Friedman, MD, PhD, and Marc Schwartz, MD, our multidisciplinary team of specialists and researchers work in concert to advance treatment options and deliver exceptional care. Our physicians and surgeons are internationally recognized for their expertise and bring many years of experience in clinical care, clinical management, teaching and research to advance the treatment of acoustic neuroma.

This care team includes experts in the fields of otology, neurotology, otolaryngology, neurology, radiology, radiation oncology, audiology, neuro-oncology and neurosurgery. They are joined by specially trained nurses, therapists, medical assistants and treatment coordinators.