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Acoustic Neuroma Program

About Our Center

We understand that the prospect of a tumor that can affect your sense of hearing can be a frightening one. That’s why our doctors, nurses, and clinicians in the Acoustic Neuroma Program at Barrow Neurological Institute place an emphasis on compassionate, competent care that gives you the best possible chance to maintain this important sense.

Our core group of specialists excel at the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of acoustic neuromas, neurofibromatosis type 2 (bilateral acoustic neuromas), and temporal bone disorders. In fact, we treat more acoustic neuromas than any other center in Phoenix and the Southwestern United States.

In addition, we hold monthly patient care conferences in which our diverse team of doctors and specialists reviews medical images, diagnostic test results, and medical records to develop a customized treatment plan for each of our patients. To learn more about the Barrow Acoustic Neuroma Program, please call (602) 406-8811.

illustration of an acoustic neuroma

The Barrow Difference

The Acoustic Neuroma Program at Barrow Neurological Institute is an international leader in the diagnosis and treatment of acoustic neuromas. Each year, our experts treat 10 times as many acoustic neuromas as any other hospital in Arizona.

Individuals from around the globe seek second opinions from our experts for their acoustic neuromas, and we treat some of the most complex cases in the world. The U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Barrow as a top center for neurology and neurosurgery.

Comprehensive, Subspecialized Care

At Barrow, our patients have access to a fully integrated team of acoustic neuroma experts. These experts collaborate to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis, an individualized treatment plan, and multidisciplinary care. We treat you like a member of our family and encourage shared decision-making.

Our team includes experts in the following subspecialties:

  • Neurology
  • Neuro-otology
  • Neuropathology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Neuro-rehabilitation
  • Neuroscience Nursing
  • Neurosurgery
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation

Surgical and Non-Surgical Options

Our physicians generally recommend a conservative approach for small acoustic neuromas that have not impaired hearing or otherwise affected quality of life. We provide brain imaging and hearing tests on site to monitor these tumors for growth and help our patients make decisions regarding treatment options.

For tumors requiring more aggressive treatment, we offer Gamma Knife and Cyberknife radiosurgery in addition to open surgery. Gamma Knife and Cyberknife use beams of radiation to target tumor cells and stop them from reproducing while protecting healthy tissue nearby.

Our neurosurgeons consider many factors before recommending open surgery. These include your symptom severity, age, tumor size and growth rate, hearing status, medical comorbidities, and personal preference.

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Online Second Opinions

Through Barrow Second Opinion, our world-class acoustic neuroma experts can recommend the best course of treatment for your acoustic neuromas based on its size and precise location—whether it’s surgery, radiosurgery, observation, or a combination of treatments. With our online portal, getting a second opinion is fast, easy, and secure.

Dr. Almefty is very meticulous and did a phenomenal job of getting a lot of the tumor off my nerve bundles. He got as much as he could without compromising my face, which I’m forever grateful for.

Jordan Lawley Barrow Acoustic Neuroma Patient

Location

Barrow Neurological Institute campus in 3D

Videos

Videos

Management of Acoustic Neuromas

Management of Acoustic Neuromas

See how Barrow physicians partner with our patients to manage acoustic neuromas.
Acoustic Neuroma Surgery

Acoustic Neuroma Surgery

Watch as Dr. Mark Syms and Dr. Randall Porter use a translabrynthine…

Minding What Matter Most

Minding What Matters Most

Minding What Matters Most

Here at Barrow Neurological Institute, we are preserving thoughts, memories, dreams, personalities,…