J Am Acad Audiol 2004; 15(02): 117-132
DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.15.2.3
Articles
American Academy of Audiology. All rights reserved. (2004) American Academy of Audiology

Assessment and Remediation of an Auditory Processing Disorder Associated with Head Trauma

Frank E. Musiek
,
Jane A. Baran
,
Jennifer Shinn
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
07 August 2020 (online)

This case study involves a 41-year-old female who had sustained a mild traumatic brain injury during a horseback riding accident. The patient was seen for medical and neuropsychological testing following this incident and was referred to a speech-language pathologist for rehabilitative services. At 13 months posttrauma, the patient, who was frustrated by a lack of significant progress, requested an audiologic work-up. Results of testing conducted at this time revealed normal peripheral hearing and significant central auditory deficits. Based on these findings, an auditory rehabilitation program was developed and implemented. The components of this patient's rehabilitation program are reviewed, and the posttherapy improvements noted in her auditory functions are detailed. The case is important in that it demonstrates (1) that auditory deficits can be a sequel to minor head injury, (2) that these deficits are often subtle and may not be detected unless central auditory testing is conducted, and (3) that these deficits may be amenable to remediation.