What is a primary symptom of an acoustic neuroma?

A primary symptom of an acoustic neuroma is tinnitus. This condition, also known as vestibular schwannoma, typically arises from the growth of a benign tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance.

Tinnitus, characterized by ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ear, is often one of the earliest symptoms reported by individuals with acoustic neuroma. The growth of the tumor can press on the nerve, affecting auditory signal processing and resulting in the perception of sound even when there is none present.

While earwax buildup can lead to hearing issues, it is not a symptom associated with acoustic neuroma. Similarly, conductive hearing loss, which typically results from issues in the outer or middle ear affecting sound transmission, is not a direct result of the tumor growth. Instead, acoustic neuromas are more associated with sensorineural hearing loss due to damage or disruption to the auditory nerve pathway. Therefore, tinnitus clearly stands out as a primary symptom related to acoustic neuromas.