Unexpected ABR Results in Patients Suspected With Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder

Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) is a type of hearing disorder that affects the transmission of sound signals from the inner ear to the brain. In individuals with ANSD, the outer hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for amplifying sound, typically function properly. However, there is a disruption in the transmission of auditory information from the cochlea to the auditory nerve and then to the brain. It is characterized by a mismatch between the results of objective hearing tests, such as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), and subjective hearing experiences. In ABR tests, the responses of the auditory nerve to sounds may be abnormal, while the individual perceives their hearing to be better than suggested by the test results. In this study we showed ANSD patients with abnormal ABR results by using ABR, Otoacoustic Emissions, Tympanometry and behavioral test batteries.