ear, nose, and throat disorders
Vestibular Schwannoma
Diagnosis of Vestibular Schwannoma
Audiogram Gadolinium-enhanced MRI Most commonly, an Testing is the first test done to diagnose vestibular schwannoma. It usually detects an asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss and a greater impairment of speech discrimination than would be expected for the degree of hearing loss. Such findings indicate the need for imaging tests, preferably gadolinium-enhanced MRI. However, some tumors are found incidentally when brain imaging is done for another reason. Other findings include presence of acoustic reflex decay on Testing . Although not usually required in the routine evaluation of a patient with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss, caloric testing shows marked vestibular hypoactivity (canal paresis) on the affected side. 