Evaluation and therapy outcome in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD)

Introduction:

With a prevalence of about 10% ANSD is an important form of sensorineural hearing loss. Diagnosis and adequate therapy of this hearing disorder is still quite challenging. Because of this, it is important to know long time results of this special group of patients. The aim of this study was to show first long time results of hearing and speech development, social career and education of these patients.

Materials and methods:

10 children who were diagnosed and treated at the Department of ENT of the University of Wuerzburg were examined. During follow up, results of hearing- and speech development as well as of the social career of these children were investigated. Furthermore, the use of the hearing device and the education of these patients were described.

Results:

Seven patients were supplied with cochlear implants on both sides, three patients got hearing aids. All patients who were provided on both sides use their hearing device permanently. The hearing results are very inhomogeneous and include a speech perception/comprehension of 100% to no speech understanding at all on one side. While five children visited a school for hearing impaired, four children could participate at a regular school. Four of them have already begun or even finished job training.

Summary/discussion:

Until know one can't find any study about long term results of children with ANSD. Our examination shows, that the results of hearing- and speech development in patients with ANSD are very heterogeneous. With intensive special supporting measures a normal school and social education could be achieved.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)