The Mismatch Negativity As an Index of Auditory Dysfunction in Dyslexia

Abstract

It is widely accepted that various deficits may underlie dyslexia. However, in the majority of the cases dyslexia is currently thought to primarily result from a dysfunction of the phonological or the auditory system. In identifying phonological and auditory dysfunctions in dyslexia a brain response called the mismatch negativity (MMN) might be a useful tool since it reflects sound-discrimination accuracy. It is elicited without the subject’s attention which makes it well-suited even for studying patients and children that are not able or willing to perform tasks. The MMN might be used in the identification of auditory-system deficits early in life. This is especially welcome in developmental impairments like dyslexia since early definition would make it possible to start the remediation before major learning delays occur.