Abstract
Asymmetric hearing loss This paper reviews the present knowledge of the etiology, impact and therapy of asymmetric hearing loss. Primarily, we aim to uncover how asymmetric hearing loss affects the processing of complex sounds (speech).
Binaural hearing enables us to orient in space on the basis of the auditory input, and to improve our understanding of speech (especially in noisy environments). The above-mentioned abilities result from the interconnections of the auditory pathways at several brain levels, thus enabling a comparison of the auditory inputs from the left and right ear.
Asymmetric hearing loss (in extreme cases single-sided deafness) is a disabling condition that at a certain level of the hearing loss prevents binaural hearing. The etiology of asymmetric hearing loss comprises several diagnoses including infection, post-infectious conditions, blood and vessel diseases, neoplasia, trauma, post-radiation changes, neurosurgical and otologic operative risks, congenital pathologies and idiopathic causes.
Unilateral hearing loss complexly affects the auditory system, which is observed in both animals and humans. The results of numerous studies undoubtedly prove the benefit of restoration of binaural hearing.
Hearing aids and implantable devices represent the most common forms of rehabilitation of asymmetric hearing loss.