Coping strategies and social environment of patients with sudden hearing loss

BACKGROUND Hearing impairment has a significant physiological, psychological, and social impact on one's life. The primary aim of this study was to explore which coping strategies are most frequently used by patients with a sudden hearing impairment within the period of just a few days after the first symptoms appear. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE Sixty-four patients were asked to complete the coping inventory COPE between the first and the fifth day following the diagnosis of hearing loss. RESULTS The start of hearing impairment acts as a trigger for the use of a problem-solving coping strategy. Social support from the family represents an important source of help for patients with sudden hearing loss. Humour as a coping strategy was found to be used as a means of easing the current unfavourable situation and concealing one's emotions from others. CONCLUSIONS Active coping and seeking social support were the most frequently used coping strategies.