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Newly diagnosed roadmap

You do not have to solve
everything today.

Use this step-by-step guide to organize your records, prepare for specialist visits, and make room for the questions that matter to you.

Start the roadmap

Your privacy: Checklist selections stay only on this page and disappear when it is closed or refreshed. This website does not receive or save them. Do not upload medical records or service identifiers to the community.

Get oriented

Understand what the report says

Acoustic neuroma is also called vestibular schwannoma. It is usually noncancerous and arises near the hearing and balance nerves. The tumor’s size, location, symptoms, hearing status, growth history, and your overall health all help shape the discussion.

Ask the clinician to show you where the tumor is on the MRI.
Write down all three tumor measurements and the units used.
Ask whether it is limited to the internal auditory canal or extends beyond it.
Ask whether older imaging exists that can show change over time.
Ask what symptoms or changes should trigger an earlier call.

Create your packet

Gather records before consultations

A written report summarizes the scan, while the actual image files let another clinical team review the finding. Ask each facility how it accepts records securely.

MRI report and the actual MRI image files.
Current and earlier audiograms, including speech or word-recognition results when available.
A dated symptom timeline covering hearing, tinnitus, balance, facial sensation, headaches, and other concerns.
Medication list, major medical conditions, allergies, and prior procedures.
A short list of work, duty, travel, communication, and family responsibilities that could affect care.

Keep these records in an approved healthcare portal or another secure place—not in a discussion post or ordinary email to this network.

Find experience

Build the right care team

Care may involve a neurotologist or otologist, neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, audiologist, and rehabilitation professionals. The specialists you need depend on your situation and the options being considered.

Questions when choosing a team

How often does this team evaluate and treat acoustic neuroma?
Does the team offer or discuss every option that may be suitable for me?
Will specialists review my case together?
Who will coordinate hearing, balance, facial-nerve, and follow-up care?
How can I obtain a second opinion, and how quickly is a decision needed in my case?

A second opinion can help clarify choices. It does not commit you to changing doctors or receiving treatment at that center.

Shared decision-making

Compare the options suitable for you

Management commonly includes observation with follow-up, focused radiation, or microsurgery. There is no single best choice for everyone. Ask each specialist to explain which options are medically reasonable for you and why.

Benefits

What is the main goal in my case? How will success be measured?

Tradeoffs

What could happen to hearing, balance, facial function, and quality of life?

Follow-up

What imaging, hearing tests, visits, rehabilitation, or future treatment might I need?

Ask what may happen if you monitor the tumor for now.
Ask what changes would cause the team to reconsider the plan.
Ask for risks using numbers that apply as closely as possible to your situation.
Ask about short-term recovery and long-term follow-up.
Write down what matters most to you before deciding.

Military and daily life

Plan how care fits your circumstances

Veterans

Coordinate through VA care

Enrolled veterans can contact VA audiology directly for hearing evaluation and support. Ask your care team how specialty referrals, outside records, and community care apply to you.

Open the veteran care pathway →

Active duty

Start with your PCM

Ask your primary care manager about specialist referrals, authorizations, continuity during travel or reassignment, and who addresses individual duty or readiness questions.

Open the active-duty pathway →

Practical questions

What communication accommodations would make appointments easier?
Who can attend visits with me or take notes?
How could treatment or symptoms affect driving, work, duty, travel, or caregiving?
What rehabilitation, hearing technology, or mental-health support is available?
Whom should I contact between visits if something changes?

Your next step

Leave the appointment with a clear plan

I know who my main contact is.
I understand the next test, visit, or decision and its timing.
I know what changes require an earlier call or urgent care.
I know how to request records or a second opinion.
I have written instructions I can review later.

Review treatment education Connect with peer support

Sources and limits

This roadmap provides general preparation help. It does not interpret an MRI or audiogram, determine urgency, recommend a provider, or select a treatment.

Sources reviewed September 18, 2026. Independent clinical review of this site is pending.