Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma) Symptoms & Warning Signs
Vestibular schwannoma often hides behind "aging hearing loss" and "tinnitus." Do not dismiss one-sided ear symptoms that progress. If you notice any of the following for more than two weeks—especially if they are unilateral—seek expert evaluation immediately:
Symptom | What to Watch For |
Unilateral hearing loss | Gradual loss in one ear, difficulty using the phone on that side. |
Unilateral tinnitus | Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in one ear only. |
Balance difficulty | Unsteadiness, veering to one side while walking, or frequent unexplained falls. |
Facial numbness or weakness | Reduced sensation on one side of the face or subtle asymmetry of smile. |
Headache | Pressure-type headache at the back of the head as the tumor enlarges. |
