Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Cortical deafness following embolic strokes
Giovanni Siconolfi1, Cristiano Pecchioli2, Petra Vukoja2
1Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy siconolfig@yahoo.it.
Abstract:
Cortical deafness is exceedingly rare and is caused by bilateral failure of the auditory cortices, due to structural damage such as ischaemic stroke, while the peripheral and brainstem auditory structures remain unaffected. We describe a woman who acutely developed bilateral neurosensorial hypoacusis following a bilateral cardioembolic ischaemic stroke, due to takotsubo cardiomyopathy, affecting the primary auditory areas of the temporal lobes. She partially recovered over several months, with noticeably improved auditory function and gradual normalisation of auditory brainstem responses and evoked potentials. Her language comprehension markedly improved, with substantially enhanced ability to process and understand spoken language. Nevertheless, mild language impairments persisted. We explore the neurophysiological assessment of cortical deafness and its prognosis.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

