Vestibular schwannoma, also known as acoustic neuroma, is a non-cancerous tumour that develops on the vestibular nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. This nerve helps control balance and hearing, and the tumour’s growth can affect these functions.
Vestibular schwannomas are typically slow-growing, but if left untreated, they can cause serious problems by pressing on nearby nerves or brain structures. Common symptoms include gradual hearing loss in one ear, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), dizziness, balance issues, and sometimes numbness or weakness in the face.
A common misconception is that vestibular schwannomas are always life-threatening. While they can become serious if large, many small tumours are managed safely through regular monitoring and do not require immediate surgery.
Understanding vestibular schwannomas, their symptoms, and treatment options is vital for patients and families. With modern approaches such as microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife or CyberKnife), and regular monitoring, many patients experience excellent outcomes with preserved quality of life.
People need vestibular schwannoma treatment to control tumour growth, protect hearing and balance, and prevent complications such as facial weakness, dizziness, or severe hearing loss. While small tumours can sometimes be monitored with regular scans, treatment becomes essential if the tumour grows or symptoms worsen. Modern approaches, including surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery, help remove or shrink the tumour, relieve pressure on nearby nerves, and preserve quality of life for patients.
The exact causes of vestibular schwannomas are not fully understood, but some factors may increase the risk:
Symptoms depend on the tumour’s size and growth rate. Smaller tumours may cause subtle changes, while larger ones can press on surrounding nerves or brain structures. Common symptoms include:
When Do These Symptoms Lead to Treatment?
These symptoms lead to treatment when imaging studies confirm the presence of a vestibular schwannoma. Because the tumour can gradually affect hearing, balance, and nearby nerves, early detection is important. Starting treatment at the right time helps prevent complications, preserve nerve function, and improve quality of life.
Early detection of vestibular schwannoma can help doctors choose the best treatment and avoid serious complications. If this condition is suspected, doctors may recommend the following tests:
Finding vestibular schwannoma early and beginning the right treatment can help preserve hearing, protect nerve function, and improve quality of life. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms such as hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or balance problems, myheco can connect you with leading neurosurgery and ENT specialists at trusted hospitals.
Some of the world’s most advanced hospitals offer specialised care for patients with vestibular schwannoma and other skull base tumours. These centres provide comprehensive neurosurgery and neuro-otology services, including microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife), and advanced imaging, supported by experienced neurosurgeons, ENT specialists, and multidisciplinary care teams focused on preserving hearing and nerve function.
Leading hospitals for vestibular schwannoma treatment include:
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These hospitals follow international guidelines for care and are equipped to support patients from various countries, from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up care after returning home.
The average cost of vestibular schwannoma treatment ranges from $5,300 to $8,100 in India and from $5,000 to $8,500 in Thailand. The final expense depends on several factors such as the size and growth of the tumour, treatment approach, hospital facilities, and the patient’s overall health. Before checking the detailed table of treatment-wise costs, it is essential to understand the main factors that influence vestibular schwannoma treatment expenses.
Several elements can impact the overall cost of vestibular schwannoma treatment:
Note: India has become a preferred destination for advanced treatment, offering world-class care at a fraction of the international cost. Patients benefit from expert doctors, modern medical technology, and affordable access to high-quality generic medicines, making treatment both effective and economical.
Note: Thailand has established itself as a premium destination for cancer treatment, offering world-class hospitals, advanced technology, and internationally trained specialists. Patients choose Thailand not only for its high-quality medical care but also for its holistic approach, combining clinical excellence with exceptional comfort and service standards.
The above figures are approximate and can vary based on the hospital, location, and individual patient requirements. Always consult your healthcare provider for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
The currency conversion rates in the table above are based on data from April 2026.
For a detailed cost estimate and guidance on treatment options, patients can contact myheco to connect with leading hospitals.
Studies show that surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma can achieve high tumour control with relatively low mortality. In one large study, gross total resection was performed in 84.6% of patients, while near-total resection was achieved in 15.1%. The overall mortality rate was very low at 0.6%. Facial nerve preservation is possible in nearly 90% of cases. With the support of experienced multidisciplinary teams, many patients enjoy good long-term recovery and improved quality of life.
Leading hospitals adopt a multidisciplinary, patient-focused approach to vestibular schwannoma care with accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment, and comprehensive support. Their approach includes:
This integrated approach helps control tumour growth, preserves neurological and sensory functions, and ensures a better long-term quality of life for patients with vestibular schwannoma.
Dr Satish Nair, Senior Consultant in ENT & Head and Neck Oncology at Apollo Hospitals Bangalore, explains that schwannomas are benign tumours arising from the Schwann cells. He says that Apollo Hospitals Bangalore recently performed the world’s first endoscopic transcanal excision of a facial nerve schwannoma, a type of Schwannoma tumour, preserving hearing and facial function. Such innovations highlight the potential of modern endoscopic techniques in managing benign nerve tumours safely and effectively.
Seeking treatment abroad can feel overwhelming, but myheco makes the process easier by guiding international patients every step of the way. From connecting you with expert neurosurgeons and ENT specialists to arranging virtual consultations and second opinions, myheco ensures you receive the right medical advice and a personalised care plan before you travel.
Choosing myheco means expert care, faster access, and comprehensive support throughout your treatment journey.
Note: Myheco does not provide medical advice.
Mr Gopal Chandra Kanra, a farmer from India, was suffering from severe balance issues and hearing loss in his left ear due to a vestibular schwannoma. He underwent surgery at Manipal Hospital, Whitefield, under Dr Priyamvadha K, with advanced facial nerve monitoring. The timely intervention successfully removed the tumour while preserving nerve function, and Mr Kanra steadily regained balance, facial movement, and quality of life.
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Vestibular schwannoma is a benign tumour, so it is not “cancerous.” Complete removal or long-term control is possible through microsurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery, and most patients maintain a good quality of life with proper care.
Treatment depends on the tumour size, growth rate, symptoms, and nerve involvement. Options include microsurgery (nerve-sparing surgery), stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife or CyberKnife), or observation with regular MRI scans for small, slow-growing tumours.
Recovery varies by treatment type. Surgery may require a hospital stay of 5-10 days with follow-up rehabilitation for balance or facial nerve function. Radiosurgery is usually outpatient, with gradual monitoring over weeks to months. Regular follow-up imaging is essential.
There is no proven way to prevent vestibular schwannoma, as the exact cause is not fully understood. Early detection through hearing tests, balance evaluations, and MRI scans can help manage the condition before complications develop.
Hearing and facial nerve preservation is a key goal of modern treatment. Microsurgical techniques and radiosurgery aim to maintain nerve function, though some patients may experience partial hearing loss or temporary facial weakness.
Myheco connects patients with leading neurosurgeons and ENT specialists, arranges online consultations, provides second opinions, offers detailed cost estimates, issues medical visa invitation letters, assists with travel and hospital transfers, and provides multilingual support throughout the treatment journey.
India’s leading hospitals for vestibular schwannoma treatment include Manipal Hospital, Apollo Hospital, and Fortis Hospital in Bangalore; Max Hospital, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Medanta – The Medicity, Institute of Brain and Spine (IBS) Hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, and Fortis Hospital in Delhi; Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Apollo Hospital, SIMS Hospital, MGM Healthcare, and Rela Hospital in Chennai; Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Apollo Hospital, and Fortis Hospital in Mumbai; and Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad. These centres provide advanced microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife), and comprehensive skull base care, supported by experienced neurosurgeons, ENT specialists, and multidisciplinary teams focused on preserving hearing and nerve function.
In Thailand, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital in Bangkok is internationally recognised for advanced microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and integrated skull base care. The hospital also offers structured international patient services, supporting patients travelling from overseas for vestibular schwannoma treatment.
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