Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is characterized by which combination of findings?

• A Absent OAEs with present ABR
• B Normal ABR with absent OAEs and normal speech discrimination
• C Present OAEs (or cochlear microphonics) with absent or abnormal ABR ✓
• D Type B tympanogram with absent acoustic reflexes and absent OAEs

Explanation

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is defined by: (1) present OAEs and/or cochlear microphonics (outer hair cells intact) AND (2) absent or severely abnormal ABR (inner hair cell, synaptic, or VIII nerve dysfunction). Speech perception is disproportionately poor. It may result from inner hair cell dysfunction, synaptic disorders (auditory synaptopathy), or VIII nerve disease. Management is challenging — hearing aids less effective; cochlear implants may help when the cochlear nerve is intact.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.