Introduction: The Acoustic Reflex (AR) is considered to be an important tool for diagnosing hearing disorders. Its threshold is normal when situated within the range of 70 to 90 dBNS. For the AR to occur, it is necessary to have the integrity of the peripheral and central auditory system, especially at the Brainstem level. Brainstem structures related with the AR are also responsible for the Auditory Processing (AP) with regard to the important auditory abilities. Aim: In this study, we have tried to verify the performance of individuals with normal peripheral hearing and absence of Contralateral AR in word recognition in dichotic listening by SSW, Portuguese version. Study design: Clinical prospective randomized. Material and Method: The case records consist of 100 individuals of both sexes and age ranging from 19 to 59. They have been equally divided into two groups, half of them forming a Control group and another half the Study group. The people in the Study group have normal peripheral hearing and absence of Contralateral AR in at least one frequency. Results: There is a statistically relevant difference between these groups as regards the absence of Contralateral and Ipsilateral AR in all bilaterally tested frequencies. As to the SSW Test results regarding normality, the difference has been statistically significant in the conditions of Competitive Right and Competitive Left and Auditory Effect, Order Effect and Type A response trend. During the comparison by the number of errors, the statistically relevant difference has been found in the situations of Competitive Right and Competitive Left. Conclusion: The results of this study reinforce the relevancy of the role of structures responsible for AR in AP, and suggest that the patients with normal peripheral hearing and AR alterations should undergo AP assessment.
acoustic reflex; auditory processing; normal hearing
