International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What might happen if sound is consistently directed to one ear only?

1. Improved sound clarity at the unaided ear

2. Increased hearing ability in both ears

3. Loss of auditory awareness in the opposite ear

4. Enhanced binaural processing over time

The correct answer is: Loss of auditory awareness in the opposite ear

When sound is consistently directed to one ear only, the most likely outcome is a loss of auditory awareness in the opposite ear. This phenomenon occurs because the brain relies on auditory input from both ears to maintain auditory perception and situational awareness. When one ear is continually stimulated while the other is deprived of sound, the brain may begin to disregard or suppress input from the unaided ear. This can lead to a detrimental effect on the neural pathways associated with hearing in that ear, ultimately resulting in diminished awareness of sounds coming from that side. This mechanism reflects how our auditory system is designed to integrate input from both ears for a full sonic experience. Over time, as the brain adapts to the constant input from one ear, it may not only impair the ability to hear from the opposite side but also hinder the overall auditory processing capabilities. In contrast, consistently directing sound to one ear does not lead to enhanced sound clarity for the unaided ear or increased hearing ability in both ears, nor does it improve binaural processing. Instead, it tends to result in a certain level of auditory neglect in the ear that is not receiving sound stimulation.