Causal attributions in King-Kopetzky syndrome

Abstract

Abstract

At least 10% of people who present for help with hearing difficulties will be found to have normal hearing thresholds. These cases are clinically categorized as King-Kopetzky syndrome (KKS), obscure auditory dysfunction (OAD), or auditory processing disorder (APD). While recent research has focussed on the possible mechanistic basis for these difficulties, the perceptions of the hearing difficulties that lead people to seek help have not hitherto been identified. This study presents findings from an observational survey of causal attributions of hearing difficulties from 100 people with KKS. The findings suggest that participants regard immunity and risk related causes of hearing difficulties as pre-dominant. Psychological factors were not considered to be causal for hearing difficulties. These factors were not affected by diagnostic classification. These findings inform audiologists about their patient beliefs for the first time. The authors suggest that clinicians take care to ensure that their counselling is responsive to these beliefs.

Sumario

Al menos el 10% de quienes piden ayuda por problemas auditivos tienen umbrales auditivos normales. Estos casos se caracterizan clínicamente como síndrome de King Kopetzky (KKS), Disfunción Auditiva Obscura (OAD) o Problema de Procesamiento Auditivo (APD). Mientras que la investigación reciente se ha enfocado a las posibles bases mecanicistas de estas dificultades, las percepciones sobre los problemas auditivos que impulsan a que la gente busque ayuda, no han sido identificadas hasta ahora. Este estudio presenta hallazgos de una encuesta observacional sobre la atribución de causas de problemas auditivos en 100 personas con KKS. Los hallazgos sugieren que ellos consideran como causas, la inmunidad y los riesgos de problemas auditivos, como predominantes. Los factores psicológicos no fueron tomados en cuenta como causa de problemas auditivos. Estos factores no se afectaron por la clasificación diagnóstica. Los hallazgos informan por primera vez, a los audiólogos, sobre las percepciones de sus pacientes. Los autores sugieren que los clínicos tengan cuidado en asegurar que su orientación sea sensible a esas percepciones.

Key Words:

• Causal attributions
• King-Kopetzky syndrome
• auditory processing disorder

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Appendix

Causal attributions measure

Causes of my hearing difficulties

We are interested in what you consider may have been the causes of your hearing difficulties. As people are very different there is no correct answer for this question. We are most interested in your own views about the factors that caused your hearing difficulties rather than what others, including doctors or family may have suggested to you. Below is a list of possible causes for your hearing difficulties. Please indicate how much you agree or disagree that they were the causes for you by ticking the appropriate box.

Table