The impact of a family history of hearing problems on those with hearing difficulties themselves: an exploratory study.
The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of a family history of hearing impairment on those people with the hearing impairment themselves. The subjects were 102 consecutive patients with a family history of hearing impairment, seen in an audiological rehabilitation clinic. Each was given an open-ended questionnaire asking whether such a family history had any effects on them and, if so, to list any effects. Results were qualitatively analysed. 57 subjects indicated effects. Of those listed, 57% were positive, 19% negative, and 24% neutral. The most common positive effects concerned realising the importance of hearing aids and early help-seeking. Common negative effects were concern for the future of themselves and their children. Neutral effects were a reported ignorance or denial of a family history. The results emphasize the importance of asking patients about any family history when planning their rehabilitative programme.
Stephens
Dafydd
D
Welsh Hearing Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. stephensd@cf.ac.uk
Kramer
Sophia E
SE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000523:psychology; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires