A Clear Guide to Vestibular Schwannoma
Comprehensive Care for Vestibular Schwannoma
Unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance issues? Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) symptoms are common and usually slow-growing, and are not typically a sign of something acutely serious. At Harley AVM, we manage them effectively. Seek urgent AVM care for sudden hearing drop, severe imbalance, facial weakness, or headaches. These high-risk symptoms need immediate evaluation.
Benign Tumour of the Balance Nerve
An Overview of Vestibular Schwannoma
A vestibular schwannoma is a non-cancerous growth that develops on the vestibular nerve, which carries balance and hearing signals from the inner ear to the brain. As the tumour grows slowly, it can interfere with nerve signalling, leading to symptoms such as hearing loss on one side, tinnitus, imbalance, or a sense of unsteadiness.
Symptoms often progress gradually and may be subtle at first. Balance problems usually reflect reduced input from one inner ear rather than sudden vertigo. Although vestibular schwannomas are benign, accurate identification is important. Early diagnosis allows appropriate monitoring, timely referral, and informed decisions about management based on tumour size, symptoms, and individual needs.
Pinpointing the Cause
Diagnosing Vestibular Schwannoma
When to Get Checked
You should get assessed if hearing loss, tinnitus, or imbalance develops gradually on one side, or if you notice increasing unsteadiness, difficulty localising sound, or persistent dizziness without clear triggers. Symptoms that progress over time should prompt audiovestibular review.
You should seek urgent assessment if sudden hearing loss occurs, balance deteriorates rapidly, or symptoms appear with facial weakness, numbness, visual disturbance, or severe headache. Early evaluation helps identify vestibular schwannoma and guides timely investigation and management.
How We Assess Vestibular Schwannoma
At Harley Audiovestibular Clinic, our process starts with talking about your detailed history, exploring unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, balance issues, facial symptoms, and progression to identify vestibular schwannoma patterns. We prioritise unhurried consultations with our consultants, building a personalised picture of your condition.
We advance with audiometry, vestibular function tests, imaging (MRI), and neurological exams to confirm the diagnosis accurately, ruling out alternatives. Our senior clinicians review these collaboratively for precise insights. This expert pathway distinguishes us, informing tailored management that preserves function and quality of life effectively. At Harley AVM, we provide ongoing monitoring for optimal long-term outcomes.
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Specialist Tests to Assess Hearing, Balance and Inner Ear Health
Harley Street Specialists in Hearing, Dizziness & Balance
Specialist Care for Vestibular Schwannoma
Every Vestibular Schwannoma case is different. Your consultant will create a tailored plan to address your specific symptoms and lifestyle – when it started, how it affects your day, and which tests and treatments are right for you.