

Diagnostic ABR testing also might show a cochlear microphonic which means the cochlea is functioning and the hearing nerve is not. Absent or abnormal response indicates the possibility of ANSD especially when normal results are obtained from OAE testing. Screening or diagnostic Auditory Brainstem Response Test (ABR) evaluates the response of the hearing nerve. In some cases and over time, OAE responses might decrease or not be obtainable. Diagnostic OAE assesses more frequencies (tones) for additional information about hair cell function. When OAE testing confirms that these cells amplify sound, ANSD might be identified. Screening or diagnostic Otoacoustic Emissions Test (OAE) evaluates the response of the outer hair cells of the cochlea. The tests used and the results indicating ANSD are: When one test indicates the possibility of ANSD, at least one other test must be done to rule out or confirm a diagnosis. When families share observations of a child’s listening and language they assist in identifying how he hears and what supports his learning.ĪNSD can be confirmed at any age and is determined by the results of tests that check how the cochlea and hearing nerve are working. Responses may also decrease when a child is very tired or not feeling well.

Listening in noisy environments can be especially difficult for a child with ANSD. Many parents describe inconsistent responses because their child sometimes appears to hear and sometimes does not. A child’s hearing with ANSD can vary from normal to severe, occurring in one ear or both.

Gradually parents can increase their understanding and become active partners in addressing their child’s ANSD.ĪNSD refers to a problem in the hearing nerve, or in the connection between the hearing nerve and the cochlea (the sense organ for sound).
ANSD DIAGNOSIS HOW TO
Exploring ANSD includes learning what it is, why it happens, how to manage it, which devices are considered, when communication approaches are suggested and where families can assist. When told that their child has Auditory Neuropathy (AN) or Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) parents can begin discussing this term and obtaining specific advice. As families look for answers they realize there are different types and levels of hearing loss. Early hearing loss is unfamiliar to most parents when their child is identified.
