Pseudohypacusis: False and Exaggerated Hearing Loss

There is presently no other book devoted solely to pseudohypacusis - or false and exaggerated hearing loss - despite its continued significance in audiological caseload. Despite many attempts by researchers, it remains extremely difficult to assess the emotional, financial, and other motivations that result in feigned or exaggerated hearing loss. Individuals often cannot understand their own psychological reasons for particular behaviors. Additionally, accurate voluntary audiometric results surely cannot be expected from those whose motivations may be considered 'dishonest'. So, in the final analysis, these important contributory factors are left to conjecture. However, this does not lessen the responsibility of the audiologist to determine the true hearing status of all patients regardless of their levels of active cooperation. That said, patient management becomes the primary issue. All of these factors are addressed in appropriate detail in this book. In Pseudohypacusis: False and Exaggerated Hearing Loss, Dr. Peck has amassed information on the subject of this condition in ways never before accomplished. He has included all related subjects and has treated the different theories and beliefs in impartial and logical ways. This is both a practical text with adequate 'how to' application and a scholarly piece. Each subject is carefully examined and exhaustively covered in unbiased ways with clear and direct writing. This text belongs on the shelves of practicing clinicians and should be added to the reading lists of courses taken by candidates for the Doctor of Audiology degree.