ANSD is a rare type of hearing loss. Learn about it here!
Hearing loss comes in more forms than you think. Some hearing loss is temporary, due to a blockage, others are due to prolonged loud noise exposure, and others still are because of unusual but diagnosable conditions. One of these lesser-known hearing conditions is called ANSD hearing loss.
What Is ANSD Hearing Loss?
ANSD stands for Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder. This condition is hearing loss due to an issue with a part of the body’s hearing system that is closer to the brain rather than the ear itself. In many cases, hearing loss has to do with the ear itself, but in ANSD, the ear itself works fine, but how the brain interprets speech does not.
Symptoms of ANSD
ANSD, as the name implies, is a spectrum, so the hearing issue can be mild or severe. It can come about in childhood or adulthood. People with ANSD can appear to hear well one day and not hear well the next. They might fail to hear speech in areas with a lot of background noise, appear not to have heard at all, or seem to hear well but only have difficulty interpreting speech.
Causes of ANSD
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder can be caused by a genetic or birth injury, jaundice at birth, immune disorders, head trauma, and neurological disorders. Even certain medications can cause a neurological issue related to the sense of hearing.
Diagnosing ANSD
Diagnosing ANSD has not always been so easy, as the ear itself seems to work perfectly fine. However, there are several painless tests for children and adults that can measure different parts of the human hearing system and pinpoint what part is actually affected. If the problem cannot be diagnosed by a regular hearing test, it’s best to press on to further tests to test all possibilities.
Treatments for ANSD
Different treatment options exist for ANSD, including cochlear implants, hearing aids, and cell therapy. While patients have reported improvements with different treatment options, it is also worth noting that some individuals can experience improvements or worsening symptoms over time with no intervention. If the symptoms worsen rather than improve, it is worth considering treatment.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, and Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.