Hearing loss is often attributed to common causes such as ageing, exposure to loud noises, or ear infections. However, it can also be a warning sign of a more serious condition, like a brain tumor. One such type of brain tumour that can affect hearing is an acoustic neuroma. Acoustic neuromas are rare, benign brain tumours that develop on the eighth cranial nerve, known as the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve runs from the inner ear to the brain and is responsible for hearing and balance. Although these tumours are benign, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body, they can still cause significant health problems if left untreated.
According to the National Organisation of Rare Diseases (NORD), acoustic neuromas are slow-growing tumours that affect approximately one in every 100,000 people aged between 30 and 60, with a higher prevalence in women than men. The tumours are generally classified as low-grade, indicating that they grow slowly and are less aggressive, but they can still lead to serious complications.
