Abstract
Auditory neuropathy (AN) has been described in the literature as presenting with a
combination of audiometric findings that include elevated behavioral audiometric thresholds,
auditory brainstem response findings that are not consistent with audiometric findings,
poor speech recognition, and present otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and/or cochlear
microphonics. Since the availability of clinical OAE testing, AN has come to be identified
with increasing frequency; however, incidence and prevalence figures are unavailable.
There is a great deal of discussion about the accurate diagnosis of AN, its characteristics,
and its treatment. Some of this discussion is occurring on the Internet and over the
telephones. The need to continue to provide information in accessible peer-reviewed
journals is paramount. Following a review of the literature, a case study is presented
of a boy who was diagnosed with AN as a newborn. He experienced hyperbilirubinemia
and other neonatal health complications. His educational intervention was managed
elsewhere until recently. Information is presented about the progression of the case
over a 5–year period that includes audiologic data and communication development results.
Abbreviations: AN = auditory neuropathy, CI = cochlear implant, CM = cochlear microphonic, DPOAE
= distortion product otoacoustic emissions, DSL = Desired Sensation Level, IHC = inner
hair cell, MRI = magnetic resonance imaging, OAE = otoacoustic emission, OHC = outer
hair cell, SS = standard scores, TC = total communication
Key Words
Auditory brainstem response - auditory neuropathy - hearing disorder - hyperbilirubinemia
- otoacoustic emission
