The Etiologic Significance of Deafness in Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

The case histories of several patients whose ulcerative colitis was preceded by partial deafness are presented. It is assumed that the partial deafness had an etiological significance and a series of four steps leading from the communication difficulties created by the deafness to the ulcerative colitis is described. Emphasis is placed upon the role of the partial deafness in the creation of a potentially objectless state which predisposes to the experiencing of the affect depression-withdrawal under conditions of additional stress. Presumably somatic correlates of this affect interact with unknown somatic vulnerabilities to produce ulcerative colitis.