Acoustic Neuroma

Introduction Howard P. House, MD, Los Angeles IT HAS been a great privilege to observe the multispecialty cooperation that has made this monograph possible. On behalf of the Otologic Medical Group and the Los Angeles Foundation of Otology, I wish to thank all who have worked so diligently to develop this momentous contribution to neuro-otology. Some ten years ago, a young man employed as a fireman consulted me regarding a slight unilateral sensorineural hearing impairment with associated tinnitus. Routine x-ray films revealed an enlarged internal auditory canal, and caloric studies showed a decreased vestibular response. The diagnosis of an acoustic tumor was made and the patient referred for neurosurgical consideration. Unfortunately, surgical removal was delayed pending the development of more neurologic deficit. In due time this occurred and the patient was operated with tragic sequelae. This patient served as the stimulus that encouraged my brother to embark on a cooperative