Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis

Diagnosing acoustic neuromas may be difficult because they are rare tumors. MD Anderson has vast experience in diagnosing acoustic neuroma with its multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Your doctor may use the following tests:

Hearing test (audiogram)

Your doctor will examine you and ask you questions about your health if you have symptoms that may warn of acoustic neuroma.

Hearing loss is the most common symptom of acoustic neuroma that your doctor may find during routine hearing tests. They will also check for tinnitus, or a ringing sensation, in one ear with a hearing test.

If hearing loss or tinnitus in one ear happens, then patients should have an audiogram to test hearing in both ears. An audiogram gives vital information about the amount of hearing loss and word understanding.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan

A sign that your doctor needs to do more testing is hearing loss in one ear. They usually do this with an MRI scan. Results from both tests are important to properly treat the condition.

Your doctor will do the MRI scan with the injection of a contrast dye. They use the contrast dye to make the tumor stand out clearly from the surrounding nerve and brain tissues.