Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Pronunciation: aw-DIT-or-ee nyoo-ROP-ath-ee SPEK-trum dis-OR-der
Also written as: ANSD — Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
A hearing disorder characterised by the presence of normal outer hair cell function but disrupted neural transmission from the cochlea to the auditory brainstem, resulting in poor speech understanding disproportionate to pure-tone thresholds.
Full Definition
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is defined by a specific audiological profile: present or near-normal otoacoustic emissions (confirming outer hair cell integrity) alongside absent or abnormal auditory brainstem response (ABR) waveforms, indicating disrupted neural synchrony. As a result, individuals with ANSD may have relatively mild pure-tone thresholds but severely degraded speech perception, particularly in noise. Management is highly variable and may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, and intensive auditory training. The term 'spectrum' acknowledges the wide variability in degree and profile of the disorder. Editors should note that this condition has historically been referred to by multiple names, including 'auditory dyssynchrony' and 'auditory neuropathy', and documents may need to standardize to the current preferred terminology.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'ANSD' as the abbreviation after first-use expansion. Flag and standardize legacy terms ('auditory dyssynchrony', 'auditory neuropathy') to ANSD in edited documents unless citing historical literature.
In Context
- "The diagnosis of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder was supported by present OAEs and absent ABR waveforms." — Pediatric audiological assessment report
- "Children with ANSD may not respond consistently to sound, making standard behavioral audiometry challenging." — Clinical case summary