The following has been taken from Oticon, Inc.'s Workbook for Parents of Children who are Newly Identified as Hard of Hearing by Melanie Sisson, Au.D.:
Auditory Neuropathy/Auditory Dys-synchrony
This is a condition where OAEs (oto-acoustic emissions) can be seen but ABR (auditory brainstem response) is absent. Many of the experts are still trying to understand AN/AD and how to manage it. Some children begin to hear more even though their ABRs may never improve, sometimes hearing gets worse and sometimes it stays stable. There can often be other neural problems that go along with AN/AD. Management options for children focus on language development and can include visual or manual communication systems. Although hearing aids and FM systems are sometimes suggested, they make sounds louder but often do not help with language development. Cochlear implants are sometimes an option that can be explored with your audiologist. Experts need a better understanding of AN/AD before standard advice can be offered.
Auditory Neuropathy/Auditory Dys-synchrony
This is a condition where OAEs (oto-acoustic emissions) can be seen but ABR (auditory brainstem response) is absent. Many of the experts are still trying to understand AN/AD and how to manage it. Some children begin to hear more even though their ABRs may never improve, sometimes hearing gets worse and sometimes it stays stable. There can often be other neural problems that go along with AN/AD. Management options for children focus on language development and can include visual or manual communication systems. Although hearing aids and FM systems are sometimes suggested, they make sounds louder but often do not help with language development. Cochlear implants are sometimes an option that can be explored with your audiologist. Experts need a better understanding of AN/AD before standard advice can be offered.
