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Updated: May 28, 2026
A Method to Study Adaptation to Left-Right Reversed Audition
Published on: October 29, 2018
Auditory-cognitive interactions underlying interaural asymmetry in an adult listener: a case study
Tara Davis1, Jeffrey Martin, James Jerger
1Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002, USA. taradavis@usouthal.edu
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.
