title: Auditory processing deficits in individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The high energy demand of the auditory and visual pathways render these sensory systems prone to diseases that impair mitochondrial function. Primary open-angle glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve, has recently been associated with a spectrum of mitochondrial abnormalities. This study sought to investigate auditory processing in individuals with open-angle glaucoma. DESIGN/STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-seven subjects with open-angle glaucoma underwent electrophysiologic (auditory brainstem response), auditory temporal processing (amplitude modulation detection), and speech perception (monosyllabic words in quiet and background noise) assessment in each ear. A cohort of age, gender and hearing level matched control subjects was also tested.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While the majority of glaucoma subjects in this study demonstrated normal auditory function, there were a significant number (6/27 subjects, 22%) who showed abnormal auditory brainstem responses and impaired auditory perception in one or both ears.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The finding that a significant proportion of subjects with open-angle glaucoma presented with auditory dysfunction provides evidence of systemic neuronal susceptibility. Affected individuals may suffer significant communication difficulties in everyday listening situations.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. grance@unimelb.edu.au
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Rance
authors: Fleur
authors: F
authors: O'Hare
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: O'Leary
authors: Arnold
authors: A
authors: Starr
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Ly
authors: Belinda
authors: B
authors: Cheng
authors: Dani
authors: D
authors: Tomlin
authors: Kelley
authors: K
authors: Graydon
authors: Donella
authors: D
authors: Chisari
authors: Ian
authors: I
authors: Trounce
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Crowston
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000368:Aged; D001299:Audiometry; D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D001307:Auditory Perception; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004569:Electroencephalography; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects; D010470:Perceptual Masking; D011930:Reaction Time; D013067:Speech Perception; D013997:Time Factors; D013998:Time Perception; D014739:Victoria; D014792:Visual Acuity