Hearing the word “tumor” from a healthcare provider can be daunting, and understandably so. However, learning about temporal bone tumors—including their types and treatments—can significantly alleviate concerns.
The temporal bone, located at the skull’s base, is integral to our hearing. It houses crucial components like cranial nerves, vasculature and the middle ear. When a tumor grows on the temporal bone or its components, hearing loss can occur. Let’s take a look at a few types of temporal bone tumors and what you can do to care for your hearing health.
The Rarity of Malignant Temporal Bone Tumors
Malignant tumors in the temporal bone are exceedingly rare, with an incidence of only one to six cases per million people annually. These account for less than 0.2% of all head and neck tumors. Types of cancerous tumors affecting the temporal bone include squamous cell carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and osteosarcoma. Due to their aggressive nature, a comprehensive treatment approach involving surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy is often necessary.
The Impact of Nonmalignant Tumors on Hearing
Nonmalignant tumors, while not cancerous, can still significantly affect ear structures and hearing. Notable among these are acoustic neuromas and cholesteatomas.
Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic Neuromas arise when an overgrowth of Schwann cells surrounds the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. Since this nerve is crucial for hearing and balance, its compression by the tumor can lead to hearing loss. Treatment options vary from monitoring to surgery or radiation, depending on the tumor’s size, symptom severity and the patient’s ability to tolerate surgery or radiation.
Cholesteatoma
Characterized by an abnormal growth of skin cells behind the eardrum, large and untreated cholesteatomas can lead to recurrent infections, ruptured eardrums and hearing loss. Removal typically requires surgery; in some cases, a second operation is needed to repair the inner ear.
Preventing these nonmalignant tumors may not always be possible, but early detection through regular hearing tests and consultations can mitigate the risks of severe outcomes. Hearing loss is often the first indicator of a temporal bone tumor. You may notice hearing loss first when speaking to others in public settings. For instance, if you start to have trouble understanding the specials at Merry Hill Coffee. Though not always suggestive of a tumor, experiencing hearing loss warrants a check-up.
What Can You Do?
If you notice any symptoms, like wobbly balance or changes in your hearing, consult a hearing specialist for a hearing test and diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with a temporal bone tumor that does not require treatment, your audiologist may recommend hearing aids to help alleviate the impact of your symptoms.
Proactive ear healthcare is crucial. Contact M.K. Larson Audiology today to schedule an assessment with one of our trusted specialists.
