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Objective: The current study aimed to better understand how patients and their significant others (SOs) cope with Menière’s disease (MD).Design: The study used a cross-sectional design and the data were collected using questionnaires.Study sample: Seventy-five dyads in which one person had MD.Results: SOs of patients with MD not only experienced activity and participation restrictions but also had positive experiences. In relational quality, the SOs reporteduncertainty of their future,limited visits in noisy places,limited activities as walking, watching TV,andparticipating in social life. The illness interference correlated with the patients' complaints, and most significant was the problem ofimbalance. Thequality of lifewas significantly reduced in patients with MD, and the illness interference in terms ofquality of lifewas correlated with the SOs in items related tomoodandanxiety. The stress related conditions of the SOs were correlated with two positive items (e.g.alleviating the stress factor). The SOs could also identify one positive item (i.e.,improved relationship).Conclusions: Perceptions of MD as interfering in couples’ lives influence dyadic coping in unique ways. The current study identified that dyadic coping has both positive aspects and limitations as a consequence of their partner’s MD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the impact, reactions and coping methods of the significant others (SOs) of people with Ménière's disease (MD). Design: SOs of people with MD were asked to answer open-ended questions reporting the ' life effects' and ' positive experiences' they have had as a result of the partner's condition. The replies to the ' life effects' question was categorized using the WHO-ICF framework. The responses of ' life effects' from this study and the ' positive experiences' reported in a recent study (Manchaiah et al, 2013) were evaluated with K-means clustering analysis. Study sample: Eighty-eight SOs (42 male, 42 female, and four did not state gender). Results: While the SOs mainly listed their own problems, a significant number of responses related to the problems of their partner. Personal perspectives tended to focus on the consequences of their partner's condition, whereas in perspectives of their partner they focussed on his/her symptoms. Further, replies from 81 SOs were used in evaluation of responses and were classified into four categories: constrained life attitude; disease burden attitude; care and support attitude; and social isolation attitude. Conclusions: The results of this study support the importance of including the SO of people with MD in the rehabilitation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It is common to study and understand how various illness and disorders result in negative consequences. However, positive experiences have been reported in a range of disabling conditions including multiple sclerosis, heart disease, physical and sensory disabilities. This paper presents a literature review of studies that have explored positive experiences associated with acquired hearing loss, Ménière's disease, and tinnitus. Design: A review of the peer reviewed scientific literature. Study sample: A comprehensive search strategy identified 15 articles after applying inclusion criteria. Results: A range of positive experiences have been reported by patients with hearing and balance disorders and by their significant others. Associations between demographic variables (e.g. age, gender), audiological variables (e.g. severity of the condition, duration) and the reported positive experiences are low. In Ménière's disease, self-reported positive experiences can predict the impact of the condition. However, this phenomenon has not yet been demonstrated in relation to hearing loss and tinnitus. Conclusions: Positive experiences associated with audio-vestibular disorders have been demonstrated. Further research is needed on the long-term benefits of the encouragement of such experiences and positive attitudes in persons with hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effects of their partners' MD on the significant others of the patients. Design: Open-ended questionnaire. Study sample: Significant others of members of the Finnish Ménière's Federation. Results: The predominant responses concerned effects on their lives and lifestyle-participation restrictions (effects on personal and community life)-and on personal contextual factors (uncertainty of life). In contrast they fail to list such effects of the patients, focussing rather on the patients' symptoms. Five percent of the responses given entailed positive experiences. Conclusions: Significant others of patients with MD listed a wide range of effects of their partner's condition on them. We encourage doctors and therapists to include the significant others in the rehabilitation process to enable them to understand the patient's condition, to help the significant other, and so better support the patients concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ménière's disease (MD) is a chronic and, in part, intermittent illness that poses multiple challenges for both the physical and psychological well-being of patients, as well as on those around them. The patients face psychosocial consequences, which include disruptions to life goals, employment, income, relationships, leisure activities, and daily living activities that also influence their family members and friends. However, there is a limited understanding of the impact of MD on significant others (SOs). Purpose: The current study was aimed at identifying how the SOs of patients with MD respond to different aspects of the impact of the disorder on health and life (i.e., psychological aspects, activities, participation, and positive aspects). Research Design: The study employed a cross-sectional survey design. Study Sample: The study sample was 186 SOs of patients with MD who were recruited through Finnish Ménière's Federation. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants completed a 25-item structured questionnaire focusing on different aspects of the impact of the disorder on health and life, and also provided some demographic information. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson's correlation, and K-means cluster analysis techniques. Results: Examination of response patterns suggests that the disorder had, on average, a marginal effect on SOs' psychological aspects, activities, and participation as the SOs generally focused on complaints. Interestingly, SOs reported some positive consequences as a result of their partners' condition. The results show a limited association between SOs' demographic variables and response patterns. The Pearson's correlation suggested a strong association between the subscales psychological aspects, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Also, a weak negative correlation was observed among positive aspects and participation restrictions. The cluster analysis resulted in three clusters, namely, (1) "non-engaged," (2) "supportive," and (3) "concerned." Conclusions: The current study results identify that the SOs' reaction to patients' condition varies and this may be from coping with victimization. Although the impact of MD on SOs is limited, some of the SOs may have more severe consequences and may require rehabilitation. The information gathered about SOs' coping and adjustment in this study can also help while developing management and/or rehabilitation plan for people with MD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]