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J Am Acad Audiol 2020; 31(02): 137-146
DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.18084
Case Report
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Hearing Difficulties as a Result of Traumatic Brain Injury

Authors

  • Christina M. Roup

    *   Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

  • Courtney Ross

    *   Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

  • Gail Whitelaw

    *   Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Further Information

Publication History

28 October 2018

Publication Date:
25 May 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Background:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been shown to result in hearing difficulties (i.e., deficits in the processing of auditory information) without impacting pure-tone threshold detection. A missed diagnosis of hearing difficulties due to TBI because of normal hearing can lead to reductions in quality of life and missed opportunities to provide an appropriate treatment regimen.

Purpose:

This study presents a case report of a female patient with a history of TBI due to a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a broad range of symptoms, including self-perceived hearing difficulties and poorer-than-normal auditory processing performance.

Research Design:

Case report.

Study Sample:

A 58-year-old woman with a history of a mild TBI due to a motor vehicle accident.

Data Collection:

A neuro-audiology evaluation was conducted to address the patient’s hearing complaints. The evaluation included standard audiometric and auditory processing test batteries.

Results:

The case report focuses on the patient’s history of TBI and her presentation to our clinic with hearing complaints. Her clinical audiological outcomes, including an auditory processing assessment, and treatment with mild-gain hearing aids are discussed. The use of mild-gain hearing aids resulted in improved auditory processing skills and a significant improvement in quality of life.

Conclusions:

Patients with a history of TBI often have multiple and debilitating symptoms, including hearing difficulties. Accurate diagnosis of auditory processing deficits in the face of normal pure-tone detection abilities is essential to provide treatment options that can improve daily function and quality of life.

Key Words

Auditory processing - auditory rehabilitation - hearing aids - traumatic brain injury

Data from this case study were presented at the 2016 AudiologyNOW! meeting in Phoenix, AZ, and the 2018 American Academy of Audiology convention in Nashville, TN.