Hearing loss and asymmetry in major depression

Y. Yovell, H. A. Sackeim, D. G. Epstein, J. Prudic, D. P. Devanand, M. C. McElhiney, J. M. Settembrino, G. E. Bruder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

To assess patterns of hearing loss and asymmetry in major depressive disorder (MDD), pure-tone and brief-click audiometric thresholds were measured in 59 inpatients with MDD and 40 normal control subjects. For both tasks, patients had higher bilateral thresholds, with marked hearing loss for the highest pure-tone frequency. At lower frequencies, patients displayed significant asymmetry, with poorer hearing in the left ear. After ECT, patients maintained the bilateral hearing losses; however, the baseline asymmetry resolved. These findings suggest that bilateral hearing loss may be a stable characteristic in severe depression. Poorer left ear pure-tone heaving may be present during the depressed state. The baseline asymmetry in audiometric deficits suggests right-hemisphere dysfunction in severe MDD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)82-89
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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