Mount Sinai neurotologists work closely with their neurosurgical colleagues to treat patients with acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, which are benign tumors on the hearing and balance nerves. Acoustic neuromas may cause hearing loss, vertigo/dizziness/imbalance, tinnitus/ringing in the ear, or other problems if sufficiently large. They are typically slow growing, but a small percentage will grow quickly. Generally, treatment may consist of surgery, radiation, or observation, and depends on the patient’s age, tumor size, symptoms, hearing status, and preference. Patients with large tumors and brainstem compression typically undergo surgery. Tumor size does not always correlate with hearing loss. In some cases, particularly smaller tumors, we are able to preserve a patient’s hearing. In other cases, we may place a cochlear implant for those patients with severe or profound hearing loss.
This video demonstrates a Retrosigmoid approach for a patient with excellent hearing preoperatively, and in this case, we preserve the patient’s hearing successfully. Other surgical approaches include Translabyrinthine and middle fossa craniotomy. The decision as to which approach depends on surgeon preference, size and location of the tumor, and hearing status.
George Wanna, MD, FACS Chair of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai and Mount Sinai Beth Israel Chief, Division of Otology-Neurotology Mount Sinai Health System Professor of Otolaryngology, and Neurosurgery Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Maura K. Cosetti, MD Director, Ear Institute at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NYEE) of Mount Sinai Director, Cochlear Implant Program Mount Sinai Health System
Enrique R. Perez, MD, MBA Director of Otology-Neurotology The Mount Sinai Hospital Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology Mount Sinai Health System
Zachary G. Schwam, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Division of Otology-Neurotology, Lateral Skull Base Surgery Mount Sinai Health System
