Central hearing loss

Central hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when the central nervous system is unable to process the sounds that it receives from the ears. This is different from peripheral hearing loss, which is caused by problems with the ear itself. Central hearing loss can be caused by a variety of conditions, including stroke, brain tumor, and neurological disorders.

Causes

Central hearing loss can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the central nervous system. These include:

• Stroke: A stroke can damage the parts of the brain that process sound, leading to central hearing loss.
• Brain tumor: A tumor in the brain can interfere with the brain's ability to process sound.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease can cause central hearing loss.

Symptoms

The symptoms of central hearing loss can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, common symptoms include:

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Difficulty locating the source of a sound
• Difficulty distinguishing between different sounds

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of central hearing loss typically involves a series of audiological tests to determine the patient's ability to hear and understand sounds. These tests may include pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and auditory brainstem response testing.

Treatment

Treatment for central hearing loss depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, treating the underlying condition can improve hearing. In other cases, hearing aids or cochlear implants may be used to improve hearing. Speech therapy may also be beneficial for some patients.

See also

• Hearing loss
• Audiology
• Neurology