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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n- Also referred to as vestibular schwannomas<\/li>
- They are estimated to affect about 1 in 100,000 people<\/a> in the general population.<\/li>
- Usually occur spontaneously in otherwise healthy people<\/li>
- Women are more often affected than men<\/li>
- Most cases develop in people ages 30-60, however in rare cases, they can develop in children as well.<\/li>
- Exposure to radiation or loud noises may be risk factors, but research is inconclusive.<\/li>
- The only known risk factor is an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2)<\/a>, associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This genetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on both sides of the head.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Common Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hearing loss in one ear<\/a> is the first symptom in approximately 90% of affected individuals.<\/a> While it usually comes on gradually, some people experience sudden hearing loss. Other possible symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)<\/li>
- Dizziness<\/li>
- Problems with balance<\/a><\/li>
- Changes in taste<\/li>
- Hoarseness<\/li>
- Difficulty swallowing<\/li>
- Confusion<\/li>
- Headaches<\/li>
- Facial numbness and weakness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Rarely, these tumors can grow large enough that they press on the brainstem. This can lead to neurological problems and can even be fatal if left untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n