[Auditory Neuropathy: Clinical Evaluation and Diagnostic Approach].

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neurology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Auditory neuropathy involves altered auditory stimuli transmission.
• Characterized by abnormal auditory nerve function.
• Understanding its clinical spectrum is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical spectrum of auditory neuropathy.
• To analyze patient series within this spectrum.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, transversal case series study.
• Defined auditory neuropathy by specific audiological test results.
• Included 34 patients with bilateral hearing loss.

Main Results:

• Eighty percent of cases had congenital onset hearing loss.
• Acoustic otoemissions were absent in 67%; cochlear microphonism present in 79%.
• Prenatal, perinatal, or environmental factors noted in 35.2%.

Conclusions:

• Auditory neuropathy exhibits a wide range of auditory pathway dysfunctions.
• Congenital onset and cochlear microphonism were common findings.
• Significant hearing impairment affects 91% of patients.