Diagnosis and Management of Children with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) describes a condition in which test results suggest that the function of the cochlea, the organ of hearing, is normal but auditory nerve function is abnormal. Research has suggested that ANSD can result from a number of causes and abnormal function may occur at different locations within the auditory system creating a wide range of variability in performance. Given the heterogeneity of possible etiologies, sites of lesion, and audiological performance, a single approach to intervention is unlikely to be effective for every child with ANSD.
An overview of the evidence-based audiological protocol for assessment of ANSD will be covered. Information about prevalence, possible etiologies, and different sites of lesion will also be included. Case studies of children diagnosed with the disorder will be presented in order to illustrate the range of audiological and speech-language outcomes and the variety of intervention strategies that have been successful with children who have ANSD. Management of children with ANSD should be flexible and should integrate clinical data related to the child’s performance in a number of areas. Use of the S.C.A.L.E.S. model for examining the whole child in the intervention decision-making process will be illustrated.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Outline the procedures included in an appropriate test battery diagnosis of ANSD and describe the characteristic audiological findings one would see in a child with this hearing disorder.
- Discuss options for auditory intervention in children diagnosed with ANSD, and describe outcomes presented in the literature for both hearing aids and cochlear implants.
- Summarize why cochlear implantation is beneficial in many cases involving ANSD and explain instances in which a child with a diagnosis of ANSD would not be considered a good candidate or in which limited benefit might be expected.
- Discuss how a collaborative multi-disciplinary approach to management of ANSD is necessary to achieve optimal intervention outcomes.
Presenters:
Jeff Simmons, M.A. CCC-A
Katie Brennan, M.S. CCC-SLP
Catherine C. Carotta, Ed.D. CCC-SLP
For more information or to register contact Teresa McEvoy at
(531) 355-5042 or
ACRN@boystown.org.
