Most people wince at the words “brain tumor,” and rightfully so. Brain tumors are as scary as they sound, and what makes them particularly dangerous is that they rarely show symptoms in their early stages. However, as always, listening to your body can give you clues about what’s going on in there. Here’s a surprising symptom that can help catch a brewing brain tumor.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, the issue might not actually lie in your ears. There’s a type of benign brain tumor called acoustic neuroma that can give itself away by affecting your hearing. Acoustic neuroma can grow on the nerve that connects your inner ear with your brain. This can lead to compromised hearing and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that continue to get more pronounced with time. Another thing to note is that the tumor will only affect the ear located on the corresponding side.
The good news is that acoustic neuroma is non-cancerous, so you don’t have to worry about it spreading to other areas of your body. It’s also rarely deadly if it’s diagnosed and treated. However, it’s still a brain tumor, and if it continues to grow, it can cause issues. Once you lose your hearing due to this condition, it can’t be restored.
Remember that hearing loss and tinnitus can be caused by many other health problems, so your doctor will likely look for other symptoms of acoustic neuroma. Since this tumor relates to your inner ear, balance issues and vertigo are also common signs. In addition, nerve damage can affect your facial muscles. Don’t ignore these symptoms but schedule a consultation with your physician as soon as possible.
