In late February/early March 2023, Corby Davidson had some news to share. Normally, as a longtime host on The Ticket—a sports radio station—Davidson’s discussions were rife with the latest sports news. But this time, as he spoke on The Hardline, he had something different: his recent acoustic neuroma diagnosis. 

According to reporting from Dallas News, Davidson first noticed symptoms after watching a TV show on his computer. Once he removed his headphones from his ears, he still felt a feeling of fullness—almost as though his ear was filled with water. Then the tinnitus (ringing) began. At first, Davidson wasn’t too concerned. He figured that he was tired, or stressed, or overworked, so he simply went to bed. But the next day, the feeling of fullness and the ringing were still there. As the week went on, it also became increasingly difficult to hear. Voices around him sounded muffled.

Finally, after pursuing an MRI, Davidson’s doctor found the acoustic neuroma, a rare and benign tumor that forms on the vestibular nerve, or the main nerve that connects the inner ear and brain. While acoustic neuromas can be treated with radiation and, in more serious cases, surgery, Davidson and his doctors decided to just monitor and observe the tumor for now. Because Davidson still has some hearing left, he doesn’t want to jeopardize that.

Although he isn’t sure what comes next, Davidson is feeling positive and upbeat.

What is an Acoustic Neuroma?

Acoustic neuromas are also referred to as vestibular schwannoma. In many cases, the acoustic neuroma tumor is relatively slow growing. However, in rarer cases, faster growth may happen. While the tumor doesn’t invade or metastasize to brain tissue, it can increase pressure on the nerve and surrounding tissue, causing issues. Doctors know that a gene on chromosome 22, normally responsible for tumor suppression, is responsible for acoustic neuroma development, but they’re not sure exactly what the issue is. Symptoms of acoustic neuroma may include:

• Tinnitus
• Dizziness
• Progressive hearing loss
• Imbalance 
• Difficulty swallowing
• Facial numbness and weakness 
• Headache
• Hydrocephalus (in rare cases)

To learn more about acoustic neuroma, click here.