ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To study the dichotic listening ability of a group of individuals over 50 years old and to verify the relationship between auditory processing, aging and hearing loss.
METHOD:
40 individuals aged from 50 to 83 years were evaluated, subdivided into group A (normal listeners), group B (individuals with normal audition for their age) and group C (individuals with hearing loss). The following procedures were performed: anamnesis, otological inspection, audiological exams and evaluation of auditory processing by the administration of the dichotic tests of alternate disyllables and digits.
RESULTS:
A disorder of auditory processing was verified in all the groups evaluated; the degree of alteration was more important in group C; in all groups the most affected auditory ability was selective attention.
CONCLUSION:
It was observed that the aging progress is a susceptible factor for alterations of auditory processing, especially for dichotic listening in view of the fact that this can still receive influences from peripheral auditory losses.
Key words:
Audiology; Hearing; Aging; Hearing Loss; Auditory Perception.