Amblyaudia

Amblyaudia, a recent subcategory of auditory processing disorder, is characterized by asymmetrical auditory processing of an individual’s ears. Amblyaudia can result in speech comprehension difficulties, reading difficulties, information processing deficits, and inattention. These difficulties can be mistakenly attributed to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and communication disorders. Unfortunately, traditional hearing tests do not place the two ears in competition and cannot detect asymmetry. Therefore, students who exhibit these difficulties and have normal performance on traditional hearing tests should be also evaluated for amblyaudia.
Amblyaudia describes lasting hearing difficulties in individuals with asymmetric hearing loss during critical periods of auditory development. Further research is needed to better understand the clinical implications of this newly described phenomenon and to inform treatment decisions regarding early management of asymmetric hearing loss.