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Published on: March 24, 2023
Long-term treatment outcomes in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD)
Désirée Ehrmann-Müller1, Daniela Back1, Heike Kühn1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Esthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
Insights
Long-term outcomes for children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) show varied hearing and speech development. Intensive support enables regular schooling and social integration for these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) affects hearing and speech development in children.
- Limited long-term outcome data exists for pediatric ANSD treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report long-term hearing and speech development in children with ANSD.
- To evaluate social and educational outcomes in children with ANSD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 10 children diagnosed and treated at a tertiary referral center.
- Interventions included hearing aids and/or cochlear implants.
- Evaluated hearing, speech, social, and educational development.
Main Results:
- Seven children received bilateral cochlear implants; three received hearing aids.
- Speech perception varied significantly (0-100%).
- Children attended specialized or regular schools, with some pursuing vocational training.
Conclusions:
- Hearing and speech development in pediatric ANSD is highly heterogeneous.
- Successful school and social integration is achievable with intensive rehabilitation.
- Further research on long-term ANSD outcomes is warranted.
Introduction:
The present article shows long-term results in the hearing and speech development of children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). Some children were followed up for nearly 20 years, monitoring their progress through childhood into adulthood.
Methods:
This retrospective study examined data from 10 children who were diagnosed and treated at our tertiary referral center. All children were provided with hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. The children's hearing and speech development and their social and educational development were evaluated.
Results:
Seven children were provided with cochlear implants on both sides; three children, one of which had single-sided deafness, received hearing aids. All children with cochlear implants on both sides used their devices full-time. Speech perception ranged between 100% and 0% on one side. Five children attended a school for the hearing impaired; four children attended a regular school. Four children attended vocational training.
Conclusions:
At present, there is a lack of literature on the long-term outcomes of treatment in children with ANSD. The data presented show that the hearing and speech development in children with ANSD are significantly heterogeneous. Regular school education and social integration of children with ANSD can be achieved with intensive and supportive rehabilitative methods.
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