An acoustic neuroma can be difficult to diagnose. This is because the symptoms often develop gradually and can therefore be difficult to spot. Symptoms such as dizziness and hearing loss can also be attributed to a number of other conditions, such as Ménière's disease (a rare disorder that affects the inner ear).
If your GP suspects that you may have an acoustic neuroma, you will be referred to a hospital or clinic for further testing.
Neurological testing
You may need to have a series of tests to check whether your nervous system (brain, nerves and spinal cord) is being affected by an acoustic neuroma.
Hearing tests
Part of the neurological testing process involves checking your hearing because an acoustic neuroma often affects your hearing. Hearing tests that you may have include:
- auditory brainstem response (ABR) test – which is usually carried out in an audiology clinic (a hospital department that investigates hearing problems); sounds are played through earphones and a computer records your responses
- pure tone audiometry test – a machine called an audiometer is used to produce sounds at various volumes and frequencies while you listen through headphones and press a button when you hear a sound
- speech recognition audiometry test – tests your ability to recognise words that are spoken at different volumes
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is one of the most accurate ways of diagnosing an acoustic neuroma. This type of scan allows your doctor to see the size and position of your tumour (growth).
An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to take a detailed picture of the inside of your head. It is a painless procedure that takes 15 to 60 minutes to complete. However, it can be noisy and you may feel slightly claustrophobic.
See the Health A-Z topic about MRI scans for more information about this procedure.
MRI scans do not use X-rays (a type of high frequency radiation). However, if you are pregnant and in your first trimester (up to week 13 of the pregnancy) your MRI scan is likely to be delayed. After the first trimester, MRI scans can be used safely.
