What is an acoustic neuroma?

An acoustic neuroma is specifically a benign tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as the auditory nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sound and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. This tumor arises from Schwann cells, which form the myelin sheath around nerves. Though it is non-cancerous, the growth of an acoustic neuroma can lead to various symptoms, such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and balance problems due to its location impacting both auditory and vestibular functions.

In contrast to other options, a tumor on the cochlea would not be classified as an acoustic neuroma, as the cochlea is part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, not a nerve. An ear infection pertains to inflammation or infection of the ear, which is unrelated to tumor formation. Lastly, while balance may be affected by an acoustic neuroma due to its impact on the vestibular component of the auditory nerve, it does not constitute a condition affecting balance on its own.