Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffDealing with the possibility of hearing loss and facial paralysis and deciding which treatment would be best for you can be quite stressful. Here are some suggestions you may find helpful:
- Educate yourself about acoustic neuroma. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to make good choices about treatment. Besides talking to your doctor and your audiologist, you may want to talk to a counselor or medical social worker. Or you may find it helpful to talk to other people who've had an acoustic neuroma and learn more about their experiences during treatment and beyond.
- Maintain a strong support system. Family and friends can help you tremendously as you go through this difficult time. Sometimes, though, you may find the concern and understanding of other people with acoustic neuroma especially comforting. Your doctor or a medical social worker may be able to put you in touch with a support group. Or you may find a real or virtual support group through the Acoustic Neuroma Association.
References
- Acoustic neuroma. American Hearing Research Foundation. http://www.american-hearing.org/disorders/acoustic-neuroma/. Accessed June 14, 2010.
- Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) and neurofibromatosis. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/acoustic_neuroma.asp. Accessed June 14, 2010.
- Park JK, et al. Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed June 14, 2010.
- Radiosurgery practice guideline initiative: Stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with vestibular schwannomas. International RadioSurgery Association. 2006: #4-06. http://www.irsa.org/AN%20Guideline.pdf. Accessed June 14, 2010.


Find Mayo Clinic on