Can You Fly with an Acoustic Neuroma?

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a benign tumor that develops on the balance (vestibular) and hearing, or auditory (cochlear) nerves leading from your inner ear to the brain. It is usually diagnosed through routine medical tests. What are the symptoms of acoustic neuroma of the ear? The symptom of acoustic neuroma of the ear may include: a feeling of fullness in your ear hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding what people are saying or problems hearing loud noises numbness or tingling in your ear trouble with balance, which can lead to falls

Vestibular schwannoma is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor that develops from the balance and hearing nerves supplying the inner ear. This tumor can cause your ability to hear or feel sounds to decline. Vestibular schwannomas are often detected through regular ear exams. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy.

Acoustic neuroma is not usually life-threatening, unless the tumor becomes large enough to compress the brainstem. If you notice hearing loss in one ear, ringing in your ear or trouble with your balance, see your doctor.

The most common treatments for acoustic neuroma are monitoring and radiation. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to shrink the tumor. Monitoring involves checking the condition of the tumor regularly and may include surgery to remove a small area if it is too large or if there is evidence of progression.

Yes, acoustic neuromas can cause dizziness and tinnitus. In some cases, the retraction of the acoustic nerve and its branches can pull on the otic capsule, causing vertigo and listening fatigue. The compressed or enlarged nerve can also cause tinnitus, as it sends auditory impulses to the inner ear in a way that is not synchronized with actual sounds.