Acoustic Neuroma Association of NZ

What is the Acoustic Neuroma Association of New Zealand (Inc.)?

The ANA-NZ is a mutual-aid group, organised and administered by ex-patients and their families.

What are the purposes of ANA-NZ?

• To provide support for patients (and their families) who have experienced an acoustic neuroma or other problems affecting the eighth cranial nerve.
• To give access to information for patients and family members about acoustic neuroma.
• To gather information about medical advances and after-treatment care.
• To furnish information on patient rehabilitation to physicians and health care personnel.
• To educate the public regarding symptoms suggestive of acoustic neuroma, thus promoting early diagnosis and successful treatment.
• To form a national network of local support groups.
• To increase awareness about acoustic neuroma, ANA-NZ, and the resources avialable within ANA-NZ.

How did it begin?

The Acoustic Neuroma Association of New Zealand (Inc) grew from an interchange among patients who felt the need for a support and information network. ANA-NZ was founded in September 1991.

What does ANA-NZ do?

• Provides opportunities for patients to communicate with other patients.
• Responds to members' non-medical needs.
• Provides information booklets to patients and other interested people. A small fee is requested to cover costs.
• Has a medical Advisory Committee consisting of medical professionals to liaise with the medical community, encourage appropriate research and advise the association on medical and scientific matters.
• Promotes public education about symptoms which may indicate the pressence of these tumours.

Why did the ANA-NZ begin?

Many who face and undergo treatment of acoustic neuromas have questions, concerns and physical and emotional adjustments. Membership in a group of those with similar experiences can be helpful to patients as well as family members and interested medical personnel.

What is an acoustic neuroma?

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour that grows on the eighth cranial nerve. This nerve carries information about hearing and balance from the ear to the brain.

The good news for the person diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma is that treatment and removal are possible. There are a variety of ways treatment can be given. This is usually carried out by a neurosurgeon and / or an ear , nose and throat surgeon.

Some of the problems that may be experienced by acoustic neuroma patients before and after surgery include hearing loss, tinnitis, balance problems and facial palsy.

Resources available

Audio tapes
ANA-NZ has purchased a large selection of audio tapes from ANA-USA. These are available for borrowing. Please contact us for a full list.

Video tapes
Our video tapes are of guest speakers who have come to our Acoustic Neuroma meetings, speaking about various areas of interest. Please contact us for a full list.

Booklets
Those available:

• Acoustic Neuroma
• Facial Nerve and Acoustic Neuroma
• Eye Care and after AN surgery.
• A Glimpse of the Brain: The Acoustic Neuroma Connection

additional cost per booklet of $2.00 each

Membership

Individuals who have or had tumours affecting their cranial nerves, or their family members shall be eligible for membership in the Acoustic Neuroma Association of New Zealand (Inc.)

Also eligible for membership is any other person interested in controlling, preventing or treating such tumours.

For further information contact:

ANA-NZ (Inc)
PO Box 222, Taumarunui
email: acousticneuromaassnofnewzealand@xtra.co.nz 
website: www.acousticneuroma.org.nz

Taumarunui: Heather Deadman
telephone 07-896 7452

Christchurch: Margaret Costello
telephone 03-942 2527

Wellington: Marilyn Cryer
telephone 04-232 4580

Auckland: Linda Isbister
telephone 09-412 8528

This information has been supplied and approved by ANA-NZ and is copyright protected. The content and design of this page must not be reproduced electronically or in print without the written permission of UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.