Auditory-cognitive interactions underlying interaural asymmetry in an adult listener: A case study

Document Type

Article

Department or Administrative Unit

Psychology

Publication Date

2-1-2012

Abstract

Objective: Abnormal interaural asymmetry on tests of dichotic listening is commonly observed in individuals suspected of auditory processing disorder (APD). Although a structural basis for the abnormality has been widely accepted, the influence of cognitive variables on the degree of observed asymmetry has gained increasing attention. To study this issue, we manipulated cognitive influences on interaural asymmetry in an adult with the auditory complaints typically associated with APD. Study sample: A 55 year-old woman with complaints of difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments despite normal audiometric levels. Design: Several experimental dichotic procedures were administered. Each procedure was characterized by the manipulation of cognitive task demands. Results: Interaural asymmetry was greatest when the demands on attention and/or memory were maximal. Electrophysiological data revealed interaural asymmetry on later stages of information processing. Conclusions: Results are discussed in relation to auditory-specific outcomes on clinical tests for APD.

Comments

This article was originally published in International Journal of Audiology. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.

Due to copyright restrictions, this article is not available for free download from ScholarWorks @ CWU.

Journal

International Journal of Audiology

Rights

© 2011 British Society of Audiology, International Society of Audiology, and Nordic Audiological Society

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