When to suspect an acoustic neuroma.

Acoustic neuroma is a rare but important cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Patients with asymmetric hearing loss or unilateral tinnitus should be evaluated expeditiously to prevent further neurologic damage. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is the best tool for making the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma. Surgical removal using a translabyrinthine approach, is the favored treatment, although radiation therapy and expectant management may be chosen for patients at high surgical risk.