Hearing issues have a significant impact on the health and well-being of both children and adults. It also affects our body balance and our ability to communicate with the surroundings.
This blog sheds light on the signs and symptoms of hearing disorders, (Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder), while also discussing potential causes. The proper diagnosis and treatment are also presented here to recover from the auditory disorder.
What is Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)?
Auditory Neuropathy is a kind of hearing disorder in which the patient can listen to sounds but can not send the sound signals to the brain to understand the sound. There is a pathway between the cochlea and the brain, through which the ears send sound in the form of a message to the brain. When the auditory nerves are damaged, the ears can not send. This disability is known as Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD).
What are the symptoms of Auditory Neuropathy?
Based on several study reports, the children who are unable to meet specific conditions during the 1 year after birth have ANSD.
- After birth – Startling on hearing a loud sound
- During 3 months- Response to hearing the voice of parents
- During 6 months- Identifying new and loud sounds of voice
- During 12 months– Trying to imitate words or sounds
The following symptoms are essential to recognise Auditory Neuropathy disorder in your child.
- Children sometimes face difficulties understanding the sound of speech.
- The child also responds inconsistently as well as inappropriately due to the auditory disorder
- The sound seems to be coming from far as it becomes faint
- It is hard to hear sounds in noisy places.
- Listening to music or watching TV at a high volume
What Causes Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)?
Auditory nerves can be damaged due to several reasons that lead to Auditory Neuropathy disorder. The sensory cells of the ears are responsible for transforming the sound from the ears to the brain, and any damage to the hair cells of the inner ear may cause listening difficulty. The causes of Auditory Neuropathy are discussed here in the following points:
- Auditory Neuropathy may be caused by a low oxygen supply during birth
- Jaundice can lead to Auditory Neuropathy disorder
- Several infections, such as mumps, can be harmful to hearing
- This type of hearing issue may be genetic
- Severe head injury can be a noteworthy reason for the listening disorder
How is Auditory Neuropathy diagnosed?
An audiologist suggests several tests for children and adults to diagnose Auditory Neuropathy. The necessary tests are presented here in the following passages:
OAE (Autoacoustic emission)
The test is performed to check the function of the cochlear of children. It can be done even in sleeping conditions. To check the response of the inner ear, a tiny earphone is used in the ear canal.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
The capacity of the auditory nerve to send the received sound from the ear to the brain. In this test, the condition of nerves as well as the brain is evaluated through electrodes.
Middle ear muscle reflex (MMR)
The reaction of the middle ear reflex is captured through rubber tips placed in the ears.
The ABR test is prescribed for children with ANSD. Though more tests are needed to diagnose the listening condition of the children and the tests are:
- Genetic test- To check if any genetic condition is responsible for ANSD.
- MRI – To evaluate the complications in the ears
- Neurological test – Problem related to nerves is checked through the test
How do you treat ANSD?
The treatment of ANSD depends on the age and the range of hearing issues among the children. You need to contact ENT, audiologists, and language therapists in an ear care hospital to get the best care and treatment for ANSD patients. The following treatments can be effective in curing ANSD:
- FM system – In this therapy, an electrical signal is sent through a transmitter to a receiver worn by a patient. In this procedure, the voice of the speaker becomes clear by reducing the background noise.
- Hearing aid – A Hearing aid is one of the best ways to hear sounds for those with listening issues. This device helps to amplify sound.
- Cochlear implant – In this treatment, a device is placed in the ear through surgery to restore hearing ability. The device stimulates the nerves of the ears. After the surgery, the patient needs to go through several training sessions to hear sounds more clearly.
FAQs
What are the long-term effects of Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)?
A: The long-term effects of Auditory Dyssynchrony (AD) are very harmful for children and also for adults, as it leads to buzzing ears or tinnitus, body imbalance, nausea, and spinning sensation. It also causes an inability to understand speech, especially in crowded places.
What is the prognosis for children with Auditory Neuropathy?
A: In many cases, the condition of the Newborn Child having ANSD improved gradually over time and age. Some children find difficulties to hear and understand speech as their condition worsens. Still today, it can not be determined through any test whether the condition will improve or not.
Can ANSD fluctuate hearing loss?
A: Inflammation in the ears due to infection causes fluctuating or temporary hearing loss. Long exposure to loud sounds, issues in the eustachian tube, and allergies may cause fluctuating hearing loss.
If it is difficult for you to hear sounds in noisy places, then you can contact us at Aural Care, one of the most trusted hearing solutions providing clinics in Kolkata. We have a team of experienced audiologists to offer you and your family the best solution for hearing loss and the high quality hearing aids to restore listening ability.
Contact us today to have a better listening experience.
Conclusion
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) is a listening difficulty among children and adults. Due to neurological problems, infection, or jaundice at the time of birth, sound signals can not reach the brain. Such conditions lead to an inconsistent response and faded sound experience. ABR, OAE, and MMR are essential to diagnose ANSD. important tests to evaluate the condition of your auditory nerve. Using hearing aids or having a Cochlear implant inserted by an expert ENT surgeon or audiologist is necessary to communicate with the outside world. You should go to the hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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