Sensory temporal processing in adults with early hearing loss

This study examined tactile and visual temporal processing in adults with early loss of hearing. The tactile task consisted of punctate stimulations that were delivered to one or both hands by a mechanical tactile stimulator. Pairs of light emitting diodes were presented on a display for visual stimulation. Responses consisted of YES or NO judgments as to whether the onset of the pairs of stimuli was perceived simultaneously or non-simultaneously. Tactile and visual temporal thresholds were significantly higher for the deaf group when compared to controls. In contrast to controls, tactile and visual temporal thresholds for the deaf group did not differ when presentation locations were examined. Overall findings of this study support the notion that temporal processing is compromised following early deafness regardless of the spatial location in which the stimuli are presented.