Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Prevalence, risk factors, and audiological characteristics of auditory neuropathy
Ali A Almishaal1, Shaza Saleh2, Hala Alferaih3
1College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and audiological characteristics of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) in the pediatric population.
Design:
A retrospective review of medical charts was conducted for children visiting two hospitals in Saudi Arabia.
Study Sample:
Medical records of 1025 patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) were reviewed. We analyzed the databases for results of audiological examinations, risk factors, and outcomes of intervention including hearing aid (HA) and cochlear implantation (CI).
Results:
Out of 1025 children with SNHL, 101 patients (9.85%) were identified to have ANSD. Audiological characteristics of the ANSD group revealed a severe-to-profound degree of hearing loss, all showed type A tympanogram and absent reflexes, absent auditory brainstem response (ABR) findings with present cochlear microphonic while otoacoustic emissions were absent in 54.5% of patients. The most prevalent risk factors for ANSD in this group were family history of hearing loss, consanguinity, hyperbilirubinemia, and low birth weight. Pure tone and speech detection thresholds improved significantly with CI compared to HA use in this sample of patients with ANSD.
Conclusion:
This study shows that ANSD is not extremely rare among Saudi children with severe to profound hearing loss, with a prevalence of 9.85%.
Related Concept Videos
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Hearing
Perceiving Loudness, Pitch, and Location
Place theory, or place coding, suggests that different pitches are heard because various sound waves activate specific locations along the cochlea's basilar membrane. The brain determines the pitch of a sound by...
Auditory Perception
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.

