Our purpose
A resource shaped around
service and life after it.
The Veterans Acoustic Neuroma Network is an independent initiative for veterans and active-duty service members affected by acoustic neuroma.
What this website offers
A starting point for treatment and research education, official military healthcare resources, moderated member discussions, and owner-reviewed peer support. The site focuses on U.S. care pathways.
From the founder
Why I created this network
I served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, working in a demanding aviation-maintenance environment where high noise levels were part of daily life. Tinnitus began in my left ear during that chapter of my life and continued after I left the service.
In 2016, I first recognized how much my hearing had changed when I could no longer clearly understand coworkers seated on my left side in a restaurant. Hearing evaluations over the following years documented a significant decline. In 2026, an MRI ordered while doctors were investigating an unrelated symptom revealed an acoustic neuroma.
The diagnosis was unexpected and unsettling. As I searched for reliable information and people with similar experiences, I found valuable acoustic-neuroma communities—but no dedicated space centered on veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
I created the Veterans Acoustic Neuroma Network to help fill that gap. Military service can shape how we communicate, seek care, support one another, and navigate complicated healthcare systems. This network brings together plain-language education, military and VA care pathways, moderated peer support, and community resources in one independent place.
My hope is that no veteran, service member, or family member facing acoustic neuroma feels they have to navigate it alone.
A personal account: This story describes my experience and does not establish that military service, occupational noise, tinnitus, or any exposure caused acoustic neuroma. Medical questions and treatment decisions should be discussed with qualified clinicians. See the medical disclaimer.
— Founder and site administrator
An initiative in development
Member accounts and moderated discussions are open. The Medical and Community Advisory Groups are now recruiting interest, but no advisers have been appointed and no Network page has been labeled independently reviewed. This site does not accept donations or offer clinical services.
Independent by design
This initiative is not affiliated with or endorsed by VA, DoD, or the Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA). Links are provided as resources.
This website uses original writing, styling, and identity, with resources selected for U.S. veterans and active-duty service members.
Contact
Email contact@veteransan.org for general questions, resource suggestions, accessibility feedback, or peer-support questions.
This inbox is not medical care, VA or DoD case management, or crisis support. Do not send medical records, service identifiers, unit or deployment information, or other sensitive personal information. A reply is not guaranteed within a specific time.