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Implications of blast exposure for central auditory function

This study reviews literature on blast exposure and its impact on central auditory system functions. It emphasizes the need for further research to refine clinical tests and treatments for central auditory dysfunction observed in individuals with blast exposure. Recommendations include determining the correlation between abnormal performance on central auditory tests and patient complaints, developing clinical measures to differentiate auditory disorders from deficits in other domains, and utilizing new imaging technologies to understand rehabilitative techniques. There is currently little evidence on comprehensive diagnosis and rehabilitation of central auditory dysfunction, which could benefit veterans and other populations with similar impairments.

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Implications of blast exposure for central auditory function

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  1. Implications of blast exposure for central auditory function Frederick J. Gallun, PhD; M. Samantha Lewis, PhD; Robert L. Folmer, PhD; Anna C. Diedesch, AuD; Lina R. Kubli, MS; Daniel J. McDermott, MS; Therese C. Walden, AuD; Stephen A. Fausti, PhD; Henry L. Lew, MD, PhD; Marjorie R. Leek, PhD

  2. Aim • Review literature on blast exposure in context of central auditory system functions. • Relevance • Further work must refine battery of clinical tests sensitive to central auditory dysfunction observed in individuals with blast exposure. • Treatments include low-gain hearing aids, remote-microphone technology, and auditory-training regimens, but clinical evidence does not yet exist for recommending one or more of these options.

  3. Results • Recommendations: • Determine degree to which abnormal performance on central auditory tests correlates with patient complaints and difficulties in more naturalistic environments. • Develop clinical measures to determine whether patient complaining of communication difficulties has (primarily) auditory disorder or deficits in other domains, e.g., attention and memory. • Make use of powerful new imaging technologies to better understand neural underpinnings of rehabilitative techniques that produce beneficial functional outcomes.

  4. Conclusion • Little evidence exists indicating which tests and therapies should be used to comprehensively diagnose and rehabilitate central auditory dysfunction potentially afflicting Veterans exposed to high-intensity blasts. • Other populations with central auditory impairments would also benefit if currently available tests and techniques were experimentally validated and new approaches were developed.

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