DefinitionAn acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This nerve is located behind the ear right under the brain.An acoustic neuroma is benign, which means it does not spread to other parts of the body or invade the tissue around it. However, it can damage several important nerves as it grows.Alternative NamesVestibular schwannoma; Tumor - acoustic; Cerebellopontine angle tumor; Angle tumorCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAn acoustic neuroma is believed to occur when there is a defect in a gene that normally prevents tumors from forming. The cause of the genetic defect is not known. However, acoustic neuroma can be linked with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2(NF2).Acoustic neuromas are relatively uncommon.SymptomsThe symptoms