Acoustic Neuroma in Grand Rapids, MI

An acoustic neuroma (also called a vestibular schwannoma or neurinoma) is a benign, slow‑growing tumor that develops on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, these tumors are typically diagnosed and treated by specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, and otolaryngology (ENT) at major health systems such as Corewell Health (Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

Although acoustic neuromas are not cancerous, they can still cause serious health problems if they grow large enough to press on nearby structures in the brain.

What Is an Acoustic Neuroma?

An acoustic neuroma begins in the Schwann cells that line one of the two nerves that make up the eighth cranial nerve:

  • The cochlear nerve (hearing)
  • The vestibular nerve (balance)

For reasons that are not fully understood, these Schwann cells start multiplying out of control and form a tumor inside the narrow canal that connects the inner ear to the brain. As the tumor grows, it can:

  • Affect hearing and balance
  • Press on nearby nerves (such as the facial nerve)
  • Eventually press on the brainstem, which controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate

In some people, acoustic neuromas occur on both sides (bilateral). This is usually associated with a hereditary condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

How Common Is Acoustic Neuroma?

In the United States, several hundred people are diagnosed with acoustic neuroma each year. While it is considered rare, it is an important condition for Grand Rapids residents to recognize because:

  • Early symptoms can be subtle and easy to confuse with more common problems like age‑related hearing loss, sinus issues, or ear infections.
  • Delayed diagnosis can allow the tumor to grow larger, making treatment more complex.

If you live in the Grand Rapids or West Michigan area and have persistent ear or balance symptoms, it’s important to talk with your primary care provider or an ENT specialist at a local clinic or hospital.

Understanding the Inner Ear: Hearing and Balance

The inner ear plays a key role in both hearing and balance:

How Hearing Works

  1. Sound waves enter the ear canal and vibrate the eardrum.
  2. Three tiny bones in the middle ear (the malleus, incus, and stapes) amplify these vibrations.
  3. Vibrations reach the cochlea in the inner ear, which converts them into electrical signals.
  4. These signals travel along the cochlear nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

How Balance Works

  1. The inner ear contains fluid‑filled semicircular canals set at different angles.
  2. When you move your head, the fluid moves and stimulates tiny hair cells.
  3. These hair cells send signals through the vestibular nerve to the brain.
  4. The brain uses this information, along with input from the eyes and muscles, to maintain balance.

An acoustic neuroma grows along the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve, but because of its location, it can affect hearing, balance, and facial nerve function.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of acoustic neuroma is unknown. What is known:

  • It arises from Schwann cells on the vestibular nerve.
  • Most cases are sporadic, meaning they occur without a clear family history.
  • A small percentage are linked to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), an inherited genetic condition that often causes tumors on both hearing nerves.

There is currently no proven link between acoustic neuromas and cell phone use, noise exposure, or specific environmental factors in Michigan or elsewhere.

Early Symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma

In its early stages, an acoustic neuroma can mimic many less serious conditions, which may delay diagnosis and treatment. Common early symptoms include:

  • Impaired hearing in one ear (usually gradual and on the affected side)
  • Tinnitus – a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in one ear
  • A sensation of fullness or pressure in the affected ear
  • Mild balance problems or unsteadiness, especially in the dark or on uneven surfaces

Because hearing loss and tinnitus are common in older adults in Grand Rapids and across Michigan—often due to noise exposure, aging, or recurrent ear infections—these symptoms are sometimes attributed to more common causes at first.

If you notice new, one‑sided hearing loss or tinnitus, especially if it’s persistent, ask your provider about referral to an audiologist or ENT specialist in Grand Rapids.

Advanced Symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma

As the tumor grows, it can press on nearby nerves and the brainstem. Advanced symptoms may include:

  • Persistent headaches
  • Worsening hearing loss in the affected ear
  • Facial numbness, tingling, or pain
  • Facial twitches or weakness
  • Balance problems or frequent falls
  • Visual disturbances, such as double vision
  • Difficulty swallowing or changes in speech

Without treatment, a large acoustic neuroma can interfere with the brainstem, which controls:

  • Consciousness
  • Breathing
  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Swallowing

In rare, severe cases, untreated acoustic neuroma can be life‑threatening.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

An acoustic neuroma is usually benign, but it will generally continue to grow if left untreated. The skull is a closed space, so there is limited room for the tumor to expand. As it enlarges:

  • It can compress the brainstem and nearby nerves.
  • It can block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), causing a buildup of pressure in the brain (hydrocephalus).
  • It can lead to serious neurological problems and, if untreated, can be fatal.

Early diagnosis in Grand Rapids often means:

  • More treatment options
  • A better chance of preserving hearing and facial nerve function
  • Lower risk of serious complications

How Acoustic Neuroma Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

If your symptoms suggest an acoustic neuroma, your Grand Rapids healthcare provider may recommend:

1. Hearing and Balance Tests

  • Audiogram (hearing test) – Measures hearing levels in each ear and can show patterns suggestive of an acoustic neuroma.
  • Balance tests – Such as videonystagmography (VNG), to evaluate inner ear balance function.

These tests are commonly available through ENT clinics and audiology centers affiliated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

2. Imaging Studies

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

    • The most sensitive test for detecting acoustic neuromas.
    • Uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves (no x‑rays) to create detailed images of the inner ear and brain.
    • Often performed with contrast dye to better highlight the tumor.

  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

    • A specialized x‑ray that creates 3D images of the brain and skull base.
    • May be used if MRI is not possible, but small tumors can be missed.

Major hospitals in Grand Rapids have advanced MRI and CT imaging capabilities, allowing for accurate detection and monitoring of these tumors.

Treatment Options for Acoustic Neuroma in Grand Rapids

Treatment is individualized and depends on:

  • Tumor size and growth rate
  • Your age and overall health
  • Your hearing level in the affected ear
  • Your personal preferences

In Grand Rapids, treatment is typically managed by a team that may include neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists (ENTs), radiation oncologists, and audiologists.

1. Observation (“Watchful Waiting”)

For small, slow‑growing tumors, especially in older adults or those with minimal symptoms, doctors may recommend:

  • No immediate intervention
  • Regular MRI scans (often yearly at first) to monitor tumor size
  • Hearing tests to track changes in hearing

This approach can be appropriate when:

  • The tumor is discovered incidentally.
  • Symptoms are mild.
  • The risks of treatment may outweigh the benefits at that time.

2. Surgery (Microsurgical Removal)

Microsurgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible. There are several surgical approaches, chosen based on tumor size, location, and hearing status. Surgery is typically performed at major centers like Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Possible outcomes and risks:

  • Hearing loss in the affected ear (partial or complete)
  • Facial nerve weakness or paralysis
  • Balance issues during recovery
  • Risks associated with major surgery and anesthesia

Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks and expected recovery based on your individual case.

3. Stereotactic Radiation (Radiosurgery)

Stereotactic radiosurgery (such as Gamma Knife or similar technologies) is a non‑invasive treatment that uses precisely targeted radiation to:

  • Stop or slow the tumor’s growth
  • Minimize damage to surrounding brain tissue

It is often used for:

  • Small to medium‑sized tumors
  • Patients who are not good candidates for surgery
  • Tumor remnants after partial surgical removal

Possible side effects can include:

  • Gradual hearing loss over time
  • Temporary or, rarely, permanent facial nerve irritation
  • Delayed tumor swelling before it stabilizes

Your Grand Rapids radiation oncologist will review whether this option is appropriate for you.

Living With Acoustic Neuroma in Grand Rapids, MI

Local Considerations

Living in West Michigan comes with seasonal challenges that can affect people with balance or hearing issues:

  • Winter in Grand Rapids brings snow and ice, increasing fall risk for those with balance problems.
    • Wear proper footwear with good traction.
    • Use handrails and walk carefully on icy sidewalks and parking lots.
  • Cold, windy weather along the Grand River and nearby lakes can make ear discomfort more noticeable for some people.

Supportive Care and Rehabilitation

Depending on your symptoms and treatment, you may benefit from:

  • Vestibular (balance) rehabilitation with a physical therapist
  • Hearing aids or assistive listening devices
  • Counseling or support groups for coping with chronic tinnitus or hearing loss

Ask your provider for referrals to local rehabilitation services within the Grand Rapids health systems.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact your doctor or an ENT specialist if you experience:

  • New or worsening hearing loss in one ear
  • Persistent ringing or buzzing in one ear
  • A feeling of fullness or blockage in one ear that does not improve
  • Unexplained balance problems or frequent falls
  • Facial numbness or weakness

Early evaluation can lead to earlier diagnosis and more treatment options.

Local Resources and Where to Get Help

Residents of Grand Rapids and Kent County can access evaluation and treatment for acoustic neuroma through:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
    Neurology, neurosurgery, ENT, and advanced imaging services.

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    Comprehensive ENT and neurosurgical care.

  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    Specialty clinics for neurology and neurosurgery.

  • Mercy Health
    ENT and neurology services.

  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health
    Can provide information on local healthcare providers and community resources, especially if you need help navigating care or finding insurance coverage.

Always call ahead or visit the health system’s website to confirm services and referral requirements.

Key Points to Remember

  • Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the hearing and balance nerve but can be serious if it grows unchecked.
  • In its early stages, it often mimics more common conditions such as age‑related hearing loss or ear infections, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
  • No clear cause has been identified for why Schwann cells of the eighth cranial nerve multiply.
  • Early symptoms often include:
    • One‑sided hearing loss
    • Tinnitus (ringing in one ear)
    • A sensation of fullness or blocking in the affected ear
    • Mild balance problems
  • Advanced symptoms can include headaches, facial numbness or pain, facial twitches, visual disturbances, and difficulty swallowing.
  • Treatment options in Grand Rapids include:
    • Monitoring (watchful waiting)
    • Surgery to remove the tumor
    • Stereotactic radiation therapy
  • Untreated acoustic neuroma can eventually become life‑threatening by compressing the brainstem.

If you live in the Grand Rapids, MI area and are concerned about symptoms that could be related to an acoustic neuroma, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or an ENT specialist to discuss appropriate testing and next steps.