The characteristics of Illness Perception in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Qualitative Study

Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an emergency otologic condition with unknown pathophysiology which impacting patients’ psychological well-being and quality of life. Effective disease management is challenged by patients’ understandings and emotional responses to the illness. Illness perception refers to patients’ views regarding their disease which plays a critical role in the management of disease and unexplored in patients with SSNHL. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of illness perception in patients with SSNHL. Methods A descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted at a tertiary hospital in China between September and October 2025. Using maximum variation sampling and purposive sampling, 15 SSNHL patients were recruited. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed via thematic analysis. Results Four key themes emerged: (1) Somatic experience and treatment of the illness, characterized by pronounced symptom perception, strong help-seeking intention, a challenging diagnostic pathway, hyper-focus on treatment efficacy, and perceived benefits; (2) Multidimensional perception of psycho-emotional experiences, involving intense negative emotions and worries about an uncertain future; (3) Information acquisition and coping strategies, including active multi-channel information-seeking and a spectrum of acceptance (active or passive); (4) Perception of social functioning and support, encompassing a decline in social participation and an expressed need for comprehensive hearing rehabilitation guidance. Conclusions This qualitative study reveals the multidimensional nature of illness perception in SSNHL patients. The findings emphasize the need to shift clinical management from a biomedical to a biopsychosocial support model. Future interventions should improve illness understanding, promote adaptive coping, and provide structured rehabilitation to enhance long-term recovery and quality of life.