The impact of a family history of hearing problems on those with hearing difficulties themselves: an exploratory...

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.