Third party disability for significant others of individuals with tinnitus: A cross-sectional survey design

Abstract: There is more awareness of third party disability,defined as the disability and functioning of a significant other (SO) due toa health condition of their family members. The effects of third party disability on SOs of individuals with tinnitus has received little attention. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated third party disability in significant others (SOs) of individuals with tinnitus. A cross-sectional survey design including 194 pairs of individuals from the USA, with tinnitus and their significant others. The SO sample completed the Consequences of Tinnitus on Significant Others Questionnaire (CTSOQ). Individuals with tinnitus completed standardized self-reported outcome measures for tinnitus severity, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hearing related quality of life, tinnitus cognitions, hearing disability and hyperacusis. The CTSOQ showed that 34 (18%) of SOs had mild impact, 59 (30%) had significant impact, and 101 (52%) had severe impact. The clinical variables of tinnitus severity, anxiety and hyperacusis in individuals with tinnitus were the best predictors of the impact of tinnitus on SOs. These results show that SOs of individuals with tinnitus may experience third party disability. The effect of the individual’s tinnitus on SOs may be greater when the individual with tinnitus has higher levels of tinnitus severity, anxiety, and hyperacusis.