Ruth, a 48-year-old female, presents with a six-month history of progressive hearing loss in her right ear. She also reports persistent ringing in the same ear and occasional unsteadiness when walking. She denies vertigo, facial numbness, or weakness but expresses concern about the impact of these symptoms on her daily activities. There is no history of head trauma, fever, or recent infections. Medical History: No significant past medical conditions. No family history of hearing loss, neurological disorders, or Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). Social History: Works as an accountant, no exposure to loud noises or ototoxic substances. Nonsmoker and moderate alcohol use. Physical Examination: Cranial Nerves: •Decreased hearing in the right ear on Weber and Rinne tests. •Intact facial nerve function (cranial nerve VII). •Balance/Gait: Slight unsteadiness noted during tandem walking. •General Exam: Normal, with no signs of systemic illness. Diagnostic Workup: Audiometry: Confirms unilateral sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear. You suspect acoustic neuroma in this patient. Which imaging modality is the gold standard for diagnosing acoustic neuroma?
