Perspectives on dichotic listening and the corpus callosum

The present review summarizes historic and recent research which has investigated the role of the corpus callosum in dichotic processing within the context of audiology. Examination of performance by certain clinical groups, including split brain patients, multiple sclerosis cases, and other types of neurological lesions is included. Maturational, age related, and genetic factors are also discussed. Finally, some attention is given to recent trends in audiology research to develop improved diagnostic and rehabilitation tools for individuals with dichotic deficits potentially related to callosal dysfunction.

► The characteristics of the stimuli utilized in clinical testing of dichotic processing can significantly impact patient performance.
► The specific causes of dichotic processing deficits typically encountered in the clinic are varied but are often thought to involve dysfunction of the corpus callosum.
► Assessment and remediation of dichotic processing deficits is an ongoing focus of audiologic research.