Clinical and Audiological Characteristics of Hearing Impairments in Patients with Chronic Brain Disorders
Abstract
Hearing impairments are a common clinical problem among patients with chronic disorders of the central nervous system. Damage to different components of the auditory system associated with brain pathology may manifest as both peripheral hearing loss and central auditory processing dysfunction, in which standard hearing thresholds may remain relatively preserved. The aim of this review is to analyze current evidence regarding the clinical and audiological characteristics of hearing impairments in patients with chronic brain disorders, with particular emphasis on publications from 2024–2025. The review examines findings from studies involving patients with traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, cognitive impairment, and dementia, as well as recent advances in methods for assessing central auditory processing. The findings indicate that the most characteristic manifestations include hearing loss, difficulties understanding speech in noisy environments, impaired spatial and binaural hearing, tinnitus, and increased cognitive load during speech perception. For comprehensive diagnosis, pure-tone and speech audiometry should be combined with objective audiological assessments and specialized tests of central auditory processing. An integrated clinical and audiological approach is essential for the early detection of auditory dysfunction and the individualization of auditory rehabilitation and neurorehabilitation strategies.
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