The process of coping in King-Kopetzky Syndrome

Abstract

Our object was to describe the process of coping in King-Kopetzky syndrome and hypothesise how the process is mediated. We used a qualitative study using open-ended interviews. The data were gathered purposefully from 19 cases in the first phase of the study. Accounts were then compared deductively with six accounts from a previous interview-based study. Maximum contrast was sought in cases and in experience of clinical interventions. Participants were recruited from Hearing Therapy services in Bath and North East Somerset Primary Care Trust and The Welsh Hearing Institute. Interviews were conducted in participants' homes or clinic setting. Coping was determined by the concept that the individual developed about their hearing difficulties. The process of conceptualizing involves reconciling the symptoms experienced with the information obtained from clinicians. The process is mediated by the context in which hearing difficulties occur and the interventions that are received. Forming a coherent concept of hearing difficulties facilitates coping. Clinicians can assist this process by giving patients with King-Kopetzky Syndrome an explanation of the condition.

Rehabilitative Management Strategies in Patients With King-Kopetzky Syndrome

“…This can be extended to targeted advice about managing communicative environments by employing a range of communication tactics to reduce the individual's activity limitation and participation restriction (Stephens, 2003). In the study by King and Stephens (1992), the authors found that maladaptive coping strategies are Pryce (2006) demonstrated that patients with KKS coped with their hearing difficulties by using different strategies or help seeking. In her study, coping was determined by the concept that the individual developed about their hearing difficulties.…”

“…With developments in audiological technology and in hearing physiology, more and more studies have shown evidence indicating the possible pathogenesis underlying patients with KKS by using new sensitive techniques (Saunders & Haggard, 1989;Stephens & Rendell, 1988;Zhao et al, 1997;Zhao & Stephens, 1999a, 2006. For example, both the Audioscan and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) have been used for the detection of mild auditory dysfunction in patients with KKS (Zhao & Stephens, 1999a, 2006.…”

“…A hearing therapist seeks to make this choice explicit and to suggest assertive ways of managing communication breakdown while preserving the social role. Patients describe that this external validation of their situation enables them to use more assertive strategies as their problems are regarded as legitimate (Pryce, 2006).…”

“…For example, both the Audioscan and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) have been used for the detection of mild auditory dysfunction in patients with KKS (Zhao & Stephens, 1999a, 2006. The Audioscan notches in the mid frequencies and decreases in DPOAE level appear to represent evidence of minor cochlear pathology, and provide a pathophysiological basis for their hearing difficulties in many patients.…”

“…In this context, Pryce and Wainwright (2008) have argued strongly for a patient-centred approach. The information given by clinicians can assist or hinder the patient's understanding of their hearing and thus their choice of coping strategies (Pryce 2006;Pryce & Wainwright, 2008).…”