The Temporal Lobes are the side of the head above ears.

Functions:

• Hearing ability
• Memory aquisition
• Some visual perceptions
• Catagorization of objects.

Observed Problems:

• Difficulty in recognizing faces (Prosopagnosia).
• Difficulty in understanding spoken words (Wernicke's Aphasia).
• Disturbance with selective attention to what we see and hear.
• Difficulty with identification of, and verbalization about objects.
• Short-term memory loss.
• Interference with long-term memory
• Increased or decreased interest in sexual behavior.
• Inability to catagorize objects (Catagorization).
• Right lobe damage can cause persistant talking.
• Increased aggressive behavior.

   The temporal lobe is the primary target for auditory information.  This lobe, especially the left side, is essential for understanding spoken and comprehension of language in humans.  It also contributes to some of the more complex aspect of vision, including perception of  complex patterns, i.e. recognizing faces.