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Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)

Photo: ANSD affects children in different ways, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe

Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) occurs when sounds are received normally by the cochlea, but become disrupted as they travel to the brain.

Children with ANSD are likely to have greater difficulty understanding speech and distinguishing one sound from another than a child with a similar level of hearing, especially when there’s background noise. The term ‘spectrum disorder’ helps with the understanding that ANSD affects children in different ways, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

For more information, download Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder, our resource for families who have a child diagnosed with ANSD.

Family experiences of ANSD

Following a study carried out by the University of Manchester we produced Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder: To parents from parents. In the study we talked to 21 families who had a child identified with ANSD through the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.

The families had used a range of options for their children, including hearing aids, cochlear implants and sign language. Although parents and children experienced a range of outcomes, there were many common themes.

The resource describes what the families told us about their experiences and shares the useful advice which these parents would give to families who are in a similar position in the future.

Download: Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder: To parents from parents.