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Introduction to Acoustic Neuromas
Risk Factors for Acoustic Neuromas
Though the exact cause of acoustic neuromas is unknown and, therefore, risk factors cannot be easily identified, two conditions which have been identified that place individuals at higher risk for developing acoustic neuroma include:
Neurofibromatosis type 2(NF-2)
Prolonged noise exposure - Recent studies suggest that prolonged exposure to loud noise elevates the risk for developing acoustic neuroma. A recent study focused on noise levels exceeding 80 decibels from sources such as power tools, construction machinery, and music. An elevated risk of acoustic neuroma was found for both men and women. If protective devices were used during exposure to the noise, there was no elevation of risk. For more information about this study, follow this link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&listuids=16357108&queryhl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum
Mobile phones - Speaking on mobile phones has received considerable attention as a possible cause of acoustic neuromas since radiofrequency exposure from the phone is concentrated in the area closest to the handset, namely the ear and auditory nerve. Studies continue to be published regarding the possibility of an association between use of mobile phones and acoustic neuromas. To date, an association has not been established. Read about this issue by clicking on the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&listuids=15475713&queryhl=24&itool=pubmed_docsum
