Neuroanatomical correlates to central deafness

Our research experience with five centrally deaf patients showed that damag e to various anatomical sites could result in central deafness. This findin g was contrary to the commonly held notion that both Heschl's gyri must be severely damaged to yield central deafness. To discover whether lesions in various brain areas could cause central deafness, we reviewed 33 cases of c entral deafness reported in the literature which had sufficient radiologica l data to determine the anatomical regions involved. Both Heschl's gyri wer e involved in the majority of these cases, but there were definite exceptio ns. In there exceptional cares of central deafness. subcortical areas were involved (usually the internal capsule), as was the insula. Overall finding s are discussed and recommendations are offered for the future study of cen trally deaf patients.