Serenity Tai Chi and Fitness

An acoustic neuroma diagnosis can be unsettling. It’s classified as a brain tumor, and while it’s noncancerous, its effects on hearing and balance can be life-changing. If you’ve ever experienced dizziness, unexplained hearing loss, or a persistent ringing in your ear, you’re not alone. But here’s the encouraging part—practices like Tai Chi can make a meaningful difference in managing these symptoms and improving overall well-being.

My Acoustic Neuroma Journey

Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, and it completely upended my world. I had been experiencing unexplained dizziness, especially while riding my horse on circles, and my husband often commented that I wasn’t hearing him properly. I didn’t believe him—after all, I could hear a pin drop! But to prove him wrong, I booked a hearing test.

To my shock, the test revealed significant hearing loss in my right ear, even though my left ear was perfectly fine. I was referred to an ENT specialist, who ordered an MRI. That’s when I heard the words “acoustic neuroma.” It being classified as a brain tumor, was pretty terrifying—I immediately pictured brain surgery, a long recovery, and an uncertain future.

Thankfully, the neurosurgeon reassured me. The tumor was benign and located in my inner ear canal. Surgery wasn’t necessary unless it grew beyond the canal. A decade later, it’s still in there, and while my hearing in my right ear is now profoundly affected, I’ve adjusted. In some ways, it has even been a blessing—when my husband snores, I simply turn onto my good ear and enjoy the silence!

Understanding Acoustic Neuroma and Its Effects on Balance and Hearing

An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a benign tumor that grows on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which plays a crucial role in hearing and balance (Carlson et al., 2020). As the tumor grows, it can compress the nerve, leading to gradual hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and balance disturbances (Schwartz et al., 2018).

For many, the first signs of an acoustic neuroma are subtle—difficulty following conversations, dizziness when turning the head, or imbalance while walking or riding. Because these changes often happen gradually, they can be mistaken for normal aging or unrelated issues. However, early detection through a hearing test and an MRI can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment options. I am on the ‘watch and wait’ treatment option.

How Tai Chi Can Help Preserve and Improve Balance

One of the most common and frustrating effects of acoustic neuroma is balance impairment. That’s where Tai Chi, a gentle yet powerful movement practice, can be life-changing.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that Tai Chi reduces the risk of falls by up to 50% in older adults by improving balance, coordination, and proprioception (Li et al., 2017). This is particularly relevant for individuals with acoustic neuroma, as the tumor affects the vestibular system, which is responsible for spatial awareness and equilibrium.

When I was still riding my horse regularly, I often felt dizzy when riding circles. Tai Chi helped me regain confidence in my balance by training my body and mind to work together more efficiently. Through slow, intentional movements, I learned to stabilize myself, reduce dizziness, and develop a stronger sense of control, and my riding actually improved.

Tai Chi as a Mindfulness Practice for Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus—constant ringing or buzzing in the ear—can be another frustrating symptom of acoustic neuroma. Stress often makes it worse, creating a vicious cycle. Fortunately, Tai Chi doubles as a mindfulness practice that can help quiet the noise.

Research has shown that mindfulness-based practices, including Tai Chi, can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, leading to improved emotional well-being (Wayne et al., 2018). On days when my tinnitus is particularly loud, I turn to Tai Chi to recenter myself. By focusing on slow, rhythmic breathing and gentle movements, I shift my attention away from the ringing and into the present moment. The result? A sense of serenity that allows the tinnitus to fade into the background.

The Bigger Picture: Tai Chi as a Tool for Resilience

Tai Chi is more than just an exercise—it’s a practice of balance, both physically and mentally. Whether you’re managing the effects of an acoustic neuroma, dealing with other health challenges, or simply looking for a way to feel more grounded, Tai Chi offers a path forward.

Wellness isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about sustainable, mindful practices that support long-term health. By incorporating Tai Chi into your routine, you can build strength, improve balance, and find moments of calm amidst the noise—both figuratively and literally.

If you’re curious about Tai Chi, remember: You don’t need perfect balance, flexibility, or experience to begin. You just need an open mind and a willingness to move. Your journey to steadiness, strength, and serenity starts with a single step.

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References

Carlson, M. L., Link, M. J., & Wanna, G. B. (2020). Management of sporadic vestibular schwannoma. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 53(2), 227-244.

Li, F., Harmer, P., Fitzgerald, K., Eckstrom, E., Stock, R., Galver, J., … & Winters-Stone, K. (2017). Tai Chi and postural stability in patients with Parkinson’s disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(6), 511-519.

Schwartz, M. S., Lekovic, G. P., & Miller, M. E. (2018). Vestibular schwannoma: Diagnosis and treatment. Neurosurgery Clinics of North America, 29(2), 195-208.

Wayne, P. M., Walsh, J. N., Taylor-Piliae, R. E., & Krebs, D. E. (2018). The impact of Tai Chi on cognitive performance in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 10, 123.