Auditory Neuropathy/Dysynchrony

Auditory neuropathy/dysynchrony is a type of hearing problem. Most children have the problem from birth, but they may not show symptoms right away. Children with this condition may be able to hear sounds and speech but may not hear sounds clearly or may not understand speech. The amount of hearing loss can range from mild to severe.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Auditory Neuropathy?

  • Not reaching typical speech milestones
  • Having trouble understanding speech
  • Not being able to tell one sound from another
  • Hearing that fades in and out
     

What Causes Auditory Neuropathy?

Auditory neuropathy happens when there is damage somewhere along the nerve in the ear that is responsible for hearing. This damage can happen in the inner-ear hair cells that send information about sounds to the brain or in the nerve itself. This can cause sounds to be jumbled on their way to the brain.

Children may be more likely to have auditory neuropathy if they:

  • Didn’t get enough oxygen before or after birth
  • Had a low birth weight
  • Had jaundice
  • Were born early (premature)
  • Took a medicine that damaged their hearing nerve or the inner ear

How is Auditory Neuropathy Treated?

Treatments for auditory neuropathy may include:

  • Learning visual communication skills, such as sign language
  • A frequency modulation (FM) system, a personal listening device that can help reduce background noise and make a speaker’s voice louder
  • Hearing aids
  • Cochlear implants, a device placed surgically that directly stimulates the hearing nerve

Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for auditory neuropathy.