Cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) and behavioural measures of auditory function in an adult with a single sided deafness: case study

Abstract

Objective: To examine cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) and behavioural measures of spatial speech in noise recognition, sound localization and self-reported perception of hearing performance before and after surgical removal of an acoustic neuroma, and to monitor changes over time after surgery.Methods: CAEPs in noise were recorded and auditory skills were assessed using tests of sound localization, spatial speech perception in noise and self-ratings of auditory abilities (Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing questionnaire, SSQ) in a male adult with single-sided deafness due to acoustic neuroma removal. Measurements took place at 2, 6 and 12 months after surgery.Results: The pattern of CAEP responses, behavioural measurements and self-reported perception after surgery differed from the pre-surgery baseline and changed over time after surgery.Conclusions: The participant experienced considerable listening fatigue and deficits in auditory skills after losing hearing in one ear. Different patterns of change in CAEPs and other measures over time suggest multiple physiological mechanisms for auditory plasticity after acute onset of single sided deafness.