Symptoms of an acoustic neuroma typically occur between the ages of 30 and 60. The majority of acoustic neuromas are unilateral, located on one side of the head and affecting the nerves and hearing on that side.
There are three sizes of tumour classifications:
- Small — tumours under 1.5 cm
- Medium — tumours that are 1.5 to 2.5 cm
- Large — tumours that are over 2.5 cm
Large, impact or intracranial acoustic neuromas are the most concerning. These tumours can cause pressure in the skull as they expand, can be life threatening, and require immediate treatment.
Bilateral tumours affect hearing nerves on both sides of the head. These tumours are known as Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2).