Ear differences on a task involving a simple phonetic judgement were investigated in schizophrenic subjects using both healthy normal and depressed patient control groups. A deficit in phonemic differentiation was demonstrated and appeared to be specific to the schizophrenic group. The result is interpreted as supporting the hypothesis of a central dysfunction lateralized to the left hemisphere in schizophrenia.

A group of 16 chronic schizophrenic subjects were compared with 15 age-matched control subjects for interocular transfer of movement after-effects. Contrary to the hypothesis that schizophrenic subjects would show a deficit on this measure schizophrenics showed increased transfer compared to the controls. This effect is not due to response perseveration and is not correlated with length of hospitalization, age or dose of antipsychotic drugs. It is suggested that the effect reflects a deficit in 'inhibitory processes' in schizophrenia.

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SynopsisHigher than normal auditory thresholds were demonstrated in chronic schizophrenic patients. A greater right ear sensitivity than left was exhibited, although right ear superiority diminished with repeated testing over weeks while left ear thresholds remained relatively stable. The results of acoustic impedance measures suggest that these findings are not associated with peripheral outer and middle ear disorders.

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