Unilateral hearing loss: neurobiological basis of amblyaudia

Abstract

Unilateral hearing loss is a prevalent and important disorder in children that can lead to an impairment of auditory processing. Any pathology that causes asymme- tric (conductive or sensorineural) hearing loss during critical brain development windows can lead to hearing deficits that may persist even after audiological re- habilitation. This pathophysiological process has been referred to as amblyaudia, and children are at greater risk of experiencing language developmental delays as well as academic, social and cognitive impairments. For this reason, amblyaudia presents itself as a challenge in audiology, and it has become necessary to unders- tand its neurobiological mechanisms. A better understanding of the consequences of asymmetric hearing loss on the development of the nervous system may be key to better guiding therapeutic interventions. This article reviews studies performed in humans and animal models that describe the neurobiological consequences of unilateral hearing deprivation during the development of the nervous system and its possible applications to clinical practice.