Living with acoustic neuroma: Balance issues & vestibular rehabilitation

Shaleen Sulway and Elizabeth Crawford were part of the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada webinar series “Benign Doesn't Mean I'm Fine”. This 4-part series explored what it really means to live with an acoustic neuroma - hearing loss, balance problems, facial nerve recovery, and emotional and cognitive impacts. So-called “benign” conditions often demand serious adjustments in life, and deserve both professional attention and community support.

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is not life-threatening, but profoundly affects daily life. The webinar session on balance issues and vestibular rehabilitation focused on the experience of living with the impacts that acoustic neuroma has on inner ear balance function. It is important to take a more compassionate and comprehensive view of balance health, beyond treating physical symptoms. 

Loss of balance is more than physical - it affects every part of life. Balance disorders extend far beyond physical instability, impacting your emotional wellbeing, routines, and overall quality of life. Vestibular symptoms affect more than just mobility and physical safety, but also confidence, independence, social engagement, and mental health.

In this session, a patient shares their personal journey and how balance issues changed their daily routines. Shaleen Sulway provides the perspective of a vestibular physiotherapist, to highlight why rehabilitation is especially important (and often complex) for people with acoustic neuroma.

Watch this session here:

Watch the other sessions in this series here

Looking for individualized support? Our physiotherapists have extensive experience working with people with acoustic neuroma. Book an appointment with us!