An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour that grows on the auditory (hearing) nerve. They generally grow very slowly and do not spread from the original site.
An acoustic neuroma can sometimes be called a vestibular schwannoma.
As the tumour grows it may begin to press on the auditory nerve and can affect hearing.
There are various treatments available ranging from observation of the acoustic neuroma to keep track of it, to surgery to remove it. These treatments are discussed in more detail on the website of the British Acoustic Neuroma Association.
More information about acoustic neuromas can be found from the British Acoustic Neuroma Association website.