Auditory deficits in neurological disorders

Neurological diseases present with diverse and often complex symptomatology. Focal neurological signs such as paresis, aphasia or visual field deficits together with often serious general state of a neurological patient usually push auditory symptoms into the background. Here, we present a review of literature on central and peripheral auditory disturbances that can appear in the course of most common neurological diseases. We present: cerebral stroke, cochleovestibular nerve compression syndrome, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis and brain tumors. We focus on the neuroanatomical basis of auditory dysfunctions, their character and prevalence typical for the abovementioned diseases. Theoretical considerations are supported by broad audiological and neuroimaging studies of our patients. Auditory symptoms in neurological diseases seem to be rare. However, knowledge of these symptoms and their origin can be helpful in proper diagnosis and comprehensive patient management.