Case Report
Year: 2023 | Month: April | Volume: 13 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 223-228
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230428
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder: Diagnosis, Decision and Consequence
Mathew Nishanth A1, Jaya Lakshmi P B2, Anusha Rao S3, Pooja Mohan4
1Department of Audiology, MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing (P) Ltd, Chennai, India
2,3Department of Speech Language Pathology, MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing (P) Ltd, Chennai, India
4Undergraduate student, MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing (P) Ltd, Chennai, India
Corresponding Author: Mathew Nishanth A
ABSTRACT
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) is a type of disorder where the signal transmission from auditory nerve to brain is often impaired thus affecting the speech perception. The prevalence of ANSD is quite variable. It is often characterized by the presence of otoacoustic emissions with abnormal or absent Auditory evoked brainstem response. Early stages of hearing testing and appropriate diagnosis can aid in early intervention. Delay in diagnosis can delay the intervention process worsening the auditory perception in noise and quiet conditions thus curbing the academic, social and occupational functioning of an individual. Hearing loss in individuals with ANSD can vary from normal to profound and thus the choice of amplification should be decided considering the degree of hearing loss. Comprehensive audiological evaluation and best choice of management along with auditory training can help improve the speech perception in individuals with ANSD. The present study outlines the audiological findings of a 12-year-old boy who had a delay in diagnosis of ANSD. It also summarizes how choice of management can impact hearing and auditory perception over years thus highlighting the need for consideration of hearing thresholds during choice of amplification.
Key words: Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD), Hearing aids, Early identification, Test battery, Amplification