TY - JOUR AU - Prabhu, Prashanth; Jamuar, Pratyasha TI - Evaluation of Dizziness Handicap in Adolescents and Adults with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder SN - 1809-9777 SN - 1809-4864 PY - 2018 JO - Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol JF - International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology LA - EN VL - 22 IS - 01 SP - 014 EP - 018 ET - 2017/04/27 DA - 2018/01/24 KW - dizziness KW - handicap KW - quality of life KW - emotional problems KW - vestibular compensation KW - onset of hearing loss AB - Introduction Vestibular symptoms and damage to the vestibular branch of the eighth cranial nerve is reported in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). However, the real life handicap caused by these vestibular problems in individuals with ANSD is not studied.Objective The present study attempted to evaluate the dizziness-related handicap in adolescents and adults with ANSD.Method The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) was administered to 40 adolescents and adults diagnosed with ANSD. The study also attempted to determine if there is any gender effect on DHI scores and its correlation to the reported onset of hearing loss.Results The results of the study showed that adolescents and adults with ANSD had a moderate degree of dizziness-related handicap. The dizziness affected their quality of life, causing emotional problems. There was no gender effect, and the level of the handicap was greater in the cases in which the onset of the hearing loss was reported soon after the diagnosis of ANSD. There could be a vestibular compensation that could have resulted in a reduction in symptoms in individuals in whom the onset of the hearing loss was reported later on. Conclusion Thus, a detailed assessment of vestibular problems and their impact on quality of life is essential in adolescents and adults with ANSD. Appropriate management strategies should be considered to resolve their vestibular problems and improve their quality of life. PB - Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda DO - 10.1055/s-0037-1602693 UR - http://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0037-1602693 ER -