Perceptions of the impact of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing difficulties on quality of life of a group of South African persons with multiple sclerosis

The present study investigated perceptions of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing difficulties and the relative impact of these problems on quality of life (QOL) in a group of South African persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). A questionnaire was used to elicit information regarding the difficulties experienced and the perceptions of their influence on QOL. Of the 30 respondents, 56.7% experienced speech problems and 63.3% reported language difficulties, with 62% of those feeling that these speech and language difficulties impacted on QOL. Fifty percent reported swallowing problems with 53% of those perceiving an influence on QOL. Twenty-three percent of participants experienced hearing problems with 44% expressing the view that their QOL was influenced. These findings are discussed with regard to their implications for the education and counselling of individuals with MS and their families, incorporation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists into management teams, and further research. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.