What is auditory neuropathy?

According to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, auditory neuropathy is a hearing disorder in which sound enters the inner ear normally but the transmission of signals from the inner ear to the brain is impaired.  People with auditory neuropathy may have normal hearing, inconsistencies in their hearing, or hearing loss ranging from mild to severe.   Even though a person with auditory neuropathy may be able to hear sounds, they may still have trouble understanding speech clearly.  It can affect people of all ages, from infancy through adulthood. The number of people affected by auditory neuropathy is not known, but the condition affects a relatively small percentage of people who are deaf or hearing-impaired.

What causes auditory neuropathy?

Although auditory neuropathy is not yet fully understood, scientists believe the condition probably has more than one cause.   Auditory neuropathy runs in some families, which suggests that genetic factors may be involved in some cases.  Although not proven as a direct cause, many cases have been associated with certain health problems such as jaundice, prematurity, low birth weight, neurological disorders, and an inadequate supply of oxygen to the baby. There are also some drugs used to treat medical complications in pregnant women or newborns that may damage the inner hair cells in the baby's ears resulting in auditory neuropathy. 

What treatments, devices and other approaches can help my child with auditory neuropathy to communicate?

Because each child is unique, there is no one way to treat a child with auditory neuropathy. For some individuals with auditory neuropathy, hearing aids and personal listening devices such as frequency modulation (FM) systems, and/or cochlear implants are helpful. However, no one test is currently available to determine whether an individual with auditory neuropathy might benefit from a hearing aid or cochlear implant. 

Language can be acquired through utilization of a visual approach such as sign language, an oral approach that encourages listening and speaking, or a combination of the two such as cued speech or total communication. In order to determine which approach is best for any one child, parents will need to work closely and regularly with a team of professionals including audiologists, qualified speech language pathologists, teachers, and other pertinent medical professionals. The team will consider the individual capabilities of each child as well as his/her family. Changes to the child's communication approach will be made based on his/her progress.

What can The Center for Hearing and Speech do for my child?

We need to help your child right away. No child is too young!

At The Center for Hearing and Speech, we are able to offer a team of qualified professionals under one roof who are ready to help your child with auditory neuropathy.

We start with a full, individualized evaluation that includes a complete review of your child's medical, audiological and educational history. We administer further audiological assessment if necessary and complete a full speech, language and audition assessment. Based on the information obtained during the assessment we help guide the development of an individualized treatment plan. 

In some cases, this treatment plan may recommend immediate speech therapy with or without hearing aids and/or a cochlear implant. As we learn more about your child's capabilities, the treatment plan may change to reflect those needs in order to obtain desired outcomes. 

How do I get started?

Call The Center for Hearing and Speech at (713) 523-3633.  An appointment can be made for a speech evaluation with an audiology consult or a one-to-one consult with the Directors of Audiology and the Speech Department to review your medical records.

Our qualified and knowledgeable staff is waiting to hear from you.