Auditory processing in children with unilateral hearing loss

Objective: We wished to investigate central auditory processing in unilateral hearing loss (UHL), as little is discussed regarding its impact on auditory processing. Study design: Central auditory processing was evaluated in children with UHL using the P300 component of event related potentials. Speech and tone stimuli were used for eliciting P300 in three groups of children: group A (bilateral normal hearing children); group B (children with right UHL); and group C (children with left UHL). Results: In children with a right UHL, P300 amplitudes were significantly reduced in response to speech when compared to a tone stimulus. Comparing the speech-evoked P300 response revealed a significantly delayed latency in children with UHL compared to controls. Conclusion: Children with UHL showed central auditory processing defects that are more pronounced in children with right UHL. Speech processing is more vulnerable to the effect of UHL than simple stimuli.