Quality of life for individuals with hearing impairment who have not consulted for services and their significant others: Same- and different-sex couples

The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess perceptions of quality of life for individuals with hearing impairment who have not consulted for services and their significant others who are in same-sex relationships vs. those who are in different-sex relationships. Data were collected on a total of 20 older couples: 10 in same-sex relationships and 10 in different-sex relationships. In each of the couples, one member self-identified as having hearing impairment. The couples completed an audiologic evaluation, a disease-specific quality of life questionnaire, and a short, structured interview (which served as a general measure of quality of life). No differences between the groups were found on demographic or audiologic variables. Differences between the groups and within the couples were found on the disease-specific and overall quality of life measures. Participants with hearing impairment in different-sex relationships reported significantly more total consequences of hearing impairment than those in the same-sex relationships. Differences were found in the rate of reporting for various contributors to overall quality of life and consequences of hearing impairment on quality of life. There was more congruity between same-sex couples than different-sex couples. There appear to be important differences in perceptions of both disease-specific and overall quality of life based on sexual orientation for older couples who have not consulted for hearing services. These differences can help inform clinical practice with this under-researched population.Learning Outcomes: Readers will be able to: (1) Describe quality of life variables for individuals with hearing problems in same- and different-sex relationships, (2) understand the differences in quality of life variables between same- and different-sex couples, (3) consider the clinical implications of these quality of life variables.

Research highlights
► Assessed QoL of nonconsulting individuals with hearing loss.
► Compared couples in same- and different-sex relationships.
► Differences between the groups and within the couples were found for QoL.
► Differences can inform clinical practice with this under-researched population.