Auditory processing deficits in individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma

Abstract

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.

Key Words::

• Glaucoma
• Auditory neuropathy
• Temporal resolution
• Auditory processing
• Speech perception
• Mitochondria

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to the research volunteers who gave so freely of their time. Funding support for the project was provided by the Wagstaff Research Fellowship in Otolaryngology and the HEARing CRC (established and supported under the Australian Government's Cooperative Research Centres Program).

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests or any other form of conflict of interest relating to the study.