title: The hyperactive acoustic reflex. Four case studies.
abstract: Four case studies are presented to illustrate that low acoustic reflex thresholds may have value in assessment of central auditory processing disorders. Neurologic, electronystagmographic, EEG, speech pathologic, and/or psychological evaluations suggested CNS impairment. Tests for central auditory processing disturbances were positive. For three subjects, acoustic reflex responses were elicited at unusually low hearing threshold levels. A fourth subject showed lowering of acoustic reflex thresholds following bilateral electroshock treatment. These lowered thresholds were interpreted as hyperactive acoustic reflex responses representing a decreased central inhibition on peripheral auditory function. It is proposed that presence of hyperactive acoustic reflex responses may be associated with a concomitant central auditory processing disorder.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004584:Electronystagmography; D005260:Female; D006313:Hearing Loss, Central / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012022:Reflex, Acoustic