Effects of hearing impairment on the patient's family and friends.

A modified version of the Problems Questionnaire was administered to significant others, (SOs) usually spouses, of patients attending audiological rehabilitation clinics. The SOs were asked to list the problems they experienced because of the patient's hearing loss. They were also asked to list the problems the patient was experiencing. In addition the patients were asked to list the problems they experienced and those encountered by their SOs. SO problems concentrated more on difficulties with live speech and psychosocial problems compared with those listed by patients. They also featured more responses indicating dependence. The latter were found particularly among the SOs of male patients whose SOs also emphasised the need to repeat phrases. The SOs of female patients emphasised psychosocial problems.