A Clear Guide to Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Dedicated Care for Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder affects how sound signals travel from the inner ear to the brain, so hearing can seem inconsistent, especially in noise. Many people manage well with tailored care. Seek urgent audiovestibular medicine review for sudden hearing change, rapidly worsening understanding, imbalance, neurological signs, or symptoms following illness or injury.
Signal Timing Problems
An Overview of Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder occurs when the inner ear detects sound, but the signals do not transmit or synchronise properly along the auditory nerve. As a result, sound reaches the brain in an unclear or inconsistent way. People may hear sounds but struggle to make sense of speech, particularly in busy or noisy environments.
The condition can appear at birth, during childhood, or later in life, and its impact varies widely. Some individuals notice fluctuating hearing, while others mainly experience poor speech understanding. Auditory neuropathy may occur alone or alongside neurological or genetic conditions. Our accurate assessment focuses on how sound timing and nerve function affect real-world listening.
Pinpointing the Cause
Diagnosing Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
When to Get Checked
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder can change how reliably sound is understood, making early review important when symptoms shift or worsen.
You should get assessed if speech becomes suddenly harder to follow, hearing fluctuates noticeably, one ear seems different, balance problems develop, or neurological symptoms appear. A timely review is also needed if changes follow illness or head injury, or if they occur in infants or children with delayed speech, poor sound response, or regression in listening skills.
How We Assess Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
At Harley AVM, assessment begins by understanding how listening difficulties show up in everyday situations. We focus on speech clarity, listening effort, hearing fluctuations, and any associated neurological or developmental factors. We also analyse early life history, illness, medication exposure, and changes over time to identify patterns consistent with disrupted auditory nerve signalling.
Testing is selected based on symptoms and may include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, speech-in-noise testing, tympanometry, auditory brainstem response, acoustic reflex threshold assessment, eustachian tube function tests, and otoacoustic emissions. Our senior audiovestibular expert oversees the process, ensuring results are interpreted in relation to nerve function, timing, and real-world listening ability.
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Specialist Tests to Assess Hearing, Balance and Inner Ear Health
Harley Street Specialists in Hearing, Dizziness & Balance
Specialist Care for Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Every Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder case is different. Your consultant will create a tailored plan to address your specific symptoms and lifestyle – when it started, how it affects your day, and which tests and treatments are right for you.