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Performance on tests of central auditory processing by individuals exposed to high-intensity blasts
Frederick J Gallun1, Anna C Diedesch, Lina R Kubli
11National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Portland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Frederick.Gallun@va.gov
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|January 24, 2013
Summary
Blast exposure may impair central auditory processing, leading to hearing difficulties in complex environments. Some patients show deficits in speech-in-noise tests despite normal peripheral hearing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Auditory Neuroscience
Background:
- Blast exposure is a potential cause of auditory system injury.
- Central auditory processing deficits can affect hearing in complex environments.
- Previous research indicates blast exposure may impact auditory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate central auditory processing abilities in blast-exposed patients.
- To determine if blast exposure is associated with deficits in specific auditory tests.
- To assess the impact of blast exposure on hearing in complex auditory environments.
Main Methods:
- A battery of behavioral and electrophysiological tests was administered to 36 blast-exposed patients and 29 controls.
- Abnormal performance was defined as performance outside two standard deviations of the control group's mean.
- Specific tests included Gaps-In-Noise, Masking Level Difference, Staggered Spondaic Words, and Quick Speech-In-Noise.
Main Results:
- Blast-exposed patients showed significantly higher rates of abnormal performance on Gaps-In-Noise, Masking Level Difference, and Staggered Spondaic Words tests.
- A significantly higher proportion of blast-exposed patients performed abnormally on the Quick Speech-In-Noise test.
- These deficits were observed even when peripheral hearing sensitivity was near normal.
Conclusions:
- Blast exposure can lead to central auditory processing deficits.
- These deficits may manifest as difficulties in understanding speech in noisy environments.
- Auditory system evaluation beyond peripheral hearing is crucial for blast-exposed individuals.
