phonagnosia

Full Definition

Phonagnosia is a specific form of auditory agnosia characterized by the selective inability to recognize familiar voices while maintaining normal hearing acuity and general speech comprehension. Patients can understand what is being said but cannot identify who is speaking, even when the voice belongs to close family members or friends. This condition typically results from damage to the right hemisphere, particularly the superior temporal gyrus and surrounding areas responsible for voice processing and recognition.

Usage

Usage note: Distinguish from general auditory agnosia, which affects all sound recognition.

In Context

• "The patient exhibited phonagnosia, unable to identify her husband's voice over the telephone despite normal conversation ability." — Auditory processing evaluation
• "Phonagnosia resolved partially following speech therapy focused on voice recognition strategies." — Rehabilitation progress note