Acoustic Neuroma: An Exploration of Patients’ Beliefs

Objectives: Identification of patients’ beliefs about their illness is important as these beliefs can shape subsequent emotional responses and coping behaviours. This study examined acoustic neuroma patients’ illness representations using a health psychology model as the basis for the question development. Patients: One hundred and sixty-five patients who had undergone treatment/management at a London teaching hospital between 1985 and 2001. Methods: Participants completed a series of 6 open-end questions, which were mailed as part of a larger questionnaire study. The open questions elicited a wide range of responses. Results and Conclusions: The main symptoms experienced by patients prior to treatment were hearing loss (68% of respondents), balance difficulties (53%) and tinnitus (34%). The consequences of hearing loss, such as conversational difficulties, were the greatest concern of patients, although changes in social and work activities were also highlighted. The results of the study improve our understanding of the symptoms, concerns and beliefs that acoustic neuroma patients may hold prior to treatment. In addition, the results highlight concerns and misconceptions among patients that may need to be addressed through the provision of appropriate information.