Central auditory dysfunction.

The numerous tests applicable to the assessment of central deafness are briefly reviewed. It is likely that the more specific verbal and non-verbal tests, which assess more complex auditory function, will prove to be most useful in the assessment of these problems. We believe that the concept of a spectrum of clinical-anatomical types of central deafness is useful, namely, cortical, brainstem and more peripheral forms; a detailed study of an example of a predominantly brainstem type of central deafness is presented. An interdisciplinary approach which applies the methods of the audiologist, otolaryngologist, and neurologist to these patients is required to localize the site of the lesion, to detect and describe the deafness and to establish its etiology.