The Effects of Tinnitus on Significant Others

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.

Experiential Characteristics among Individuals with Tinnitus Seeking Online Psychological Interventions: A Cluster Analysis

“…This includes significant others in their lives and societal attitudes. Enabling significant others to understand tinnitus and support those with tinnitus and also manage third-party disability may indirectly help those with tinnitus [ 10 ]. Public health campaigns prioritizing awareness of tinnitus and provision of more resources should be aimed for together with interventions.…”

“…Identifying where a patient is on this continuum is important in order to adapt the intervention provided accordingly. It has also more recently been highlighted that significant others of those with tinnitus may experience third party disability [ 10 ]. When this is the case, they may not be in a good position to support those with tinnitus.…”

Third-Party Disability for Significant Others of Individuals with Tinnitus: A Cross-Sectional Survey Design

“…Depression (PHQ-9) (range 0-27) 7 (5) [0-26] Insomnia (ISI) (range 0-28) 11 (6) [0-27] Health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) (range 0-15) 8 (2) [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Health-related quality of life VAS (EQ-5D-5L VAS) (range 0-100) 76 ( 15…”

“…Another study reported that after those with tinnitus saw a professional, it was identified that family members generally had a greater understanding of tinnitus, felt tinnitus had less of an effect on the individual, and that those with tinnitus restricted their activities less often [ 16 ]. More recently, a qualitative study identified that the impact on SOs includes increased responsibility for household duties and childcare and a reduction in the frequency of attending social events, music concerts, and functions [ 17 ]. In some cases, this takes an emotional toll on SOs due to the increased stress and frustration they experience.…”