Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic Neuroma: Speech, Hearing, and Swallowing Support
An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous tumour that develops on the nerve involved in hearing and balance. This nerve connects the inner ear to the brain. Acoustic neuromas are often slow-growing, but they can affect hearing, balance, facial movement, speech clarity, swallowing, and overall communication depending on their size, location, and treatment plan.
Medical diagnosis and treatment for acoustic neuroma are managed by physicians and specialists, such as ear, nose, and throat physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, audiologists, and other healthcare professionals. A Speech-Language Pathologist, also known as an SLP, may become involved when a person experiences changes in speech, voice, facial movement, swallowing, or communication after diagnosis or treatment.
How Acoustic Neuroma Can Affect Communication
Acoustic neuroma commonly affects hearing and balance, but it may also create communication challenges. Hearing changes in one ear can make it harder to follow conversation, especially in noisy environments or group settings. Some people may also experience tinnitus, which means ringing or noise in the ear, or difficulty understanding speech clearly.
If nearby nerves are affected, a person may experience changes in facial movement, facial sensation, speech clarity, chewing, or swallowing. These concerns may occur because of the tumour itself or as part of recovery after medical treatment, including surgery or radiation therapy.
Communication changes may include:
- Difficulty hearing or understanding speech
- Reduced speech clarity
- Changes in facial movement or expression
- Difficulty coordinating speech movements
- Voice changes
- Fatigue during conversation
- Difficulty participating in work, school, family, or social situations
The impact can vary from person to person. Some individuals may have mild changes, while others may need more structured support during recovery.
Swallowing and Oral Motor Concerns
Some individuals with acoustic neuroma may experience difficulty chewing or swallowing, particularly if nerves involved in facial movement, sensation, or swallowing are affected. Swallowing concerns should be assessed carefully, as they can affect comfort, nutrition, hydration, and safety during meals.
A Speech-Language Pathologist may assess swallowing function and provide recommendations based on the person’s specific needs. This may include strategies for safer eating and drinking, oral motor support, mealtime positioning, texture recommendations, or referral back to the medical team when additional evaluation is needed.
The Role of Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-language pathology support is individualized and may be part of a broader rehabilitation plan. The SLP may work with the client, family, caregivers, and medical team to support communication, swallowing, and quality of life.
Therapy may focus on:
- Improving speech clarity
- Supporting facial movement and oral motor coordination
- Helping with voice or resonance changes
- Supporting communication strategies when hearing changes are present
- Assessing and managing swallowing concerns
- Helping clients communicate more confidently in daily life
- Providing education and strategies for family members or caregivers
The SLP does not diagnose or treat the tumour itself. Instead, speech-language pathology focuses on the functional communication and swallowing concerns that may occur before or after medical treatment.
Coordinated Care After Diagnosis or Treatment
Support for acoustic neuroma often involves a team-based approach. Depending on the person’s needs, care may include medical specialists, audiology, vestibular rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, and speech-language pathology.
A coordinated rehabilitation plan can help address the practical effects of acoustic neuroma on daily life. This may include returning to work, communicating in noisy environments, managing fatigue, eating and drinking safely, or adapting to changes in hearing and balance.
If you or someone you care for is experiencing speech, swallowing, facial movement, or communication changes related to acoustic neuroma, contact the clinic to ask about assessment, therapy options, and current service availability.