A case of selective developmental impairment of musical ability: Tone, beat, and chord deafness

Introduction

This report explores a rare case of musical disability, highlighting the profound impact it can have on an individual's life.

Case presentation

Because of the necessity of a medical note for school, a 21-year-old right-handed man received an evaluation at our institute for his musical abilities, which have been severely impaired since birth. He complained about a complete inability to march and dance in time with music. Moreover, his singing was off-key, though he did not notice this on his own. He made a great effort to improve his musical skills with his parents and teachers, but was unable to, which led him to accept these deficits as a personal characteristic. Neurological examination revealed no abnormal findings in his motor, sensory, and coordination systems. His cognitive functions, including general intelligence, memory, constructional ability, frontal lobe, and executive function, were normal. Brain magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA) scans were also normal. Neuromusicological assessments revealed severe impairments in pitch perception and expression; rhythm, meter, and beat perception and expression; and chord perception. He was diagnosed with tone, beat, and chord deafness. He also had difficulty perceiving the esthetic characteristics of music, though he did still enjoy listening to it.

Conclusion

These musical challenges caused trouble to the patient in many school and daily life scenarios, and the symptoms were often difficult to be understood by teachers. Thus, it is important to raise awareness of such symptoms and conditions, particularly among educators.