The Hyperactive Acoustic Reflex: Four Case Studies

Four case studies are presented to illustrate that low acoustic reflex thresholds may have value in assessment of central auditory processing disorders. Neurologic, electronystagmographic, EEG, speech pathologic, and/or psychological evaluations suggested CNS impairment. Tests for central auditory processing disturbances were positive. For three subjects, acoustic reflex responses were elicited at unusually low hearing threshold levels. A fourth subject showed lowering of acoustic reflex thresholds following bilateral electroshock treatment. These lowered thresholds were interpreted as hyperactive acoustic reflex responses representing a decreased central inhibition on peripheral auditory function. It is proposed that presence of hyperactive acoustic reflex responses may be associated with a concomitant central auditory processing disorder.