[Non-neoplastic central hearing loss--a review]

Acquired central auditory disorders not due to a tumour are unusual. The well-known conditions such as hypoxic encephalopathy, erythroblastosis, bacterial meningitis and trauma are reviewed. Recent experimental and clinical studies contribute to progress in the understanding of the pathogenesis and etiology of these conditions. The pattern of presbyacusis and cortical deafness is discussed also. AIDS must be considered as a new cause of acquired central auditory dysfunction.