Abstract
Although chronic conditions could cause third-party disability for significant others (SOs), little is known regarding the impact of tinnitus on SO. This study aimed to identify the effects of tinnitus on SOs. SOs of individuals with tinnitus were invited to participate in this study. SOs completed three open-ended questions focusing on the effects of tinnitus. Individuals with tinnitus completed the Tinnitus Functional Index as a self-reported measure of tinnitus severity. A mixed-methods analysis approach was undertaken. Of the 156 SOs responding, 127 (85%) reported that tinnitus impacted them. The impact surrounded sound adjustments, activity limitations, additional demands, emotional toll, and helplessness. Tinnitus negatively affected the relationship for 92 (58%) due to communication frustrations and growing apart. When asked if tinnitus had any positive effects, 64 (47%) SOs reported positive lifestyle adaptions, personal development, health awareness, and a changed outlook. There was no association between the level of tinnitus severity and SOs reporting that tinnitus had an impact on them individually, their relationships, or those reporting positive experiences. The study highlighted the third-party disability many SOs of individuals with tinnitus experience. The results indicate that SOs may benefit from a shared intervention to help mitigate the negative effects through a better understanding of tinnitus.
Highlights
This study reported that the significant others (SOs) and their partners seldom spoke about tinnitus, which could result in misunderstandings regarding tinnitus and its consequences [19]
There were 156 SOs who completed the open-ended questions. While this most likely constituted roughly 60% of SOs of the individuals with tinnitus that registered to undertake the Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT), we were unable to estimate the response rate as we did not know how many individuals with tinnitus passed on the questionnaire to their SOs
The consequences identified in this study were used to design a structured questionnaire for SOs to identify third-party disability for tinnitus [36]. This questionnaire can be used to identify the effects of undertaking tinnitus interventions on SOs. This exploratory study identified that SOs perceived that tinnitus had an impact on them and their relationship with individuals with tinnitus
Summary
Some challenges affect those they live with, as people severely affected by tinnitus may reduce socializing or household tasks they had previously participated in, due to fear of negatively affecting the tinnitus [5] Such an effect on significant others (SOs) of individuals with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions experiencing indirect negative consequences as a result of their family members health condition is referred to as “third-party disability” according to the World Health. Highlighted the impact of hearing loss in terms of collateral psychosocial effects on SOs, including spouses, close family members, or caregivers [12]. These include auditory and social effects resulting from effort and fatigue [13].
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