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The acoustic neuroma program at UT Southwestern Medical Center is one of the highest-volume centers in the United States and offers state-of-the-art treatment options. Research shows that clinical outcomes for patients with acoustic neuromas are better at high-volume centers than at low-volume centers.
Our team of doctors are fellowship-trained in the advanced treatment of acoustic neuroma. A team approach consisting of neurotologists (specialists in neurological disorders of the ear), neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists are utilized for acoustic neuroma management given the anatomic complexity of the lateral skull base. This team-oriented approach results in improved outcomes in patients with acoustic neuroma. Audiologists and physical therapists are involved in managing hearing and balance symptoms, which are common in patients with acoustic neuroma.
A unique feature of the acoustic neuroma program at the UT Southwestern is our monthly skull base conference. During this conference, patients with an acoustic neuroma and other skull base tumors are presented to the group, and a management plan is finalized. The multidisciplinary skull base team's management recommendations are based on the extensive clinical experience of the UT Southwestern physicians and the latest published treatment recommendations.
If you have an upcoming appointment that is eligible to transition to a video visit, we recommend patients sign up with MyChart. Virtual visits can accomplish a wide array of appointment objectives such as a comprehensive history examination, updating medications, discussing symptoms, and a thorough physical examination.
Virtual visits are a safe and convenient way to get access to a broad spectrum of UTSW specialists. These specialists are the same you would see if you came into the clinic, but from the comfort of your own home which allows you to continue the self isolation recommendations while keeping yourself and the community safe.
If you don’t have the necessary technology for a video visit, your provider may consider conducting a phone appointment. For an appointment, please call 469-306-1872.
Lloyd Griffith relished the noise that comes from a love of fixing cars and racing until the day a tumor in his ear caused his hearing to go from garbled to silent. Today his hearing is much improved, thanks to a pioneering minimally invasive procedure at UT Southwestern Medical Center – one of the highest-volume acoustic neuroma programs in Texas.
An acoustic neuroma is a benign (nonmalignant) tumor that originates on the nerves affecting hearing or balance. These nerves are located deep in the skull and are very close to other important structures.
Because the tumor involves these particular nerves, patients usually experience hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or problems with balance. Larger tumors can cause facial numbness, headaches, and the accumulation of fluid around the brain that can be fatal if left untreated.
When a patient is seen at UT Southwestern for a possible acoustic neuroma, the evaluating physician will gather information about the size and shape of the tumor, the current level of hearing, and any previous treatments. We then confer with the multidisciplinary acoustic neuroma team, and together we will formulate a personalized treatment plan.
All patients with acoustic neuromas are seen promptly. Same- and next-day appointments are often available.
Treating acoustic neuromas can be complex because of the anatomy and other individual factors involved. At UT Southwestern, we use a multidisciplinary approach involving a neurotologist (specialist in neurological disorders of the ear), a neurosurgeon, and, when appropriate, a radiation oncologist for the best possible outcomes. Treatments include observation, radiosurgery (radiation therapy), and surgery.
Small tumors and some medium tumors can be observed with regular MRIs. If initial scans do not show tumor growth, an annual MRI is usually then required to ensure there’s no further development. If initial scans show the tumor has grown, further treatment is indicated.
Observation is not recommended for young patients or patients with large tumors. Hearing loss is possible during the observation period and can be sudden in some cases.
Radiosurgery is the precise use of radiation with the goal of stopping tumor growth. Generally, the tumor should show signs of growth via multiple MRIs before the tumor is treated with radiosurgery.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and is well tolerated, although some patients experience temporary headache and nausea.
The risks of radiosurgery include continued tumor growth, facial numbness, hearing loss, dizziness, ringing in the ear, facial paralysis or twitching (rare), and fluid buildup around the brain.
If the tumor needs to be removed after radiosurgery because of continued tumor growth, complications (such as facial weakness) tend to be more common. Also, there is a small risk of the tumor turning malignant (cancerous), estimated to be 1 in 1,000 cases over a 30-year period.
Because of the anatomical complexities involved with the surgical removal of an acoustic neuroma, we use a team approach to treatment, including a neurotologist, neurosurgeon, and audiologist.
Hearing preservation can be attempted in patients with normal or near-normal hearing and small tumors.
We determine the most appropriate surgical approach based on multiple factors such as tumor size, tumor location, and hearing status. Depending on the tumor location and type of surgery, we monitor facial nerves and hearing nerves during the procedure.
Total removal of a tumor is always the initial goal of surgery. If the tumor is adherent to the facial nerve or other vital structures, a small piece of tumor can be left behind to prevent complications. These small tumor remnants rarely grow; however, it is important to get an annual MRI to confirm.
The natural course of an untreated acoustic neuroma is hearing loss in the affected ear. Surgery or radiosurgery can also result in hearing loss. Many patients adjust well to hearing in only one ear. Other patients are more bothered with hearing loss and can consider a few options.
One option is to wear a CROS (contralateral routing of sound) hearing aid, which consists of a hearing aid in the ear with poorer hearing that transmits sounds to a hearing aid in the other ear.
Another option is a bone-anchored hearing device, which is a surgically implanted abutment that attaches to an external sound processor. The sound is then routed through the bones of the skull into the good ear. The surgical procedure takes about 45 minutes and is performed as a day surgery.
UT Southwestern conducts clinical trials aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of brain conditions such as acoustic neuromas. Talk with our doctors to see if a clinical trial is available.
Search for opportunities to participate in a hearing or ear-related research study.
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