Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Also written as: ANSD — Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
A hearing disorder characterised by abnormal auditory nerve function with relatively intact outer hair cell function, resulting in a mismatch between OAE/DPOAE results and auditory brainstem response findings.
Full Definition
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is defined by the combination of present or near-normal otoacoustic emissions (indicating intact outer hair cells) alongside absent or severely abnormal auditory brainstem responses (indicating disrupted neural synchrony). The disorder can affect the inner hair cells, the synapse between hair cells and the auditory nerve (auditory synaptopathy), or the auditory nerve itself. ANSD is particularly important in neonatal and pediatric audiology because standard hearing screening using OAEs alone may fail to detect it. Editors must render the full name correctly and use the abbreviation ANSD on second reference.
Usage
Usage note: The older term 'auditory dys-synchrony' is now largely superseded by ANSD. Editors should update legacy terminology in manuscripts unless quoting historical sources.
In Context
- "The infant passed the OAE screen but was subsequently diagnosed with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder on ABR testing." — Neonatal diagnostic audiology report
- "Editors should ensure 'auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder' is not shortened to 'auditory neuropathy' without acknowledgment of the broader diagnostic category." — Journal style note