Auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony and its perceptual consequences.
Auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony is a form of hearing impairment in which cochlear outer hair cell function is spared but neural transmission in the auditory pathway is disordered. This condition, or group of conditions with a common physiologic profile, accounts for approximately 7% of permanent childhood hearing loss and a significant (but as yet undetermined) proportion of adult impairment. This paper presents an overview of the mechanisms underlying auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony-type hearing loss and the clinical profile for affected patients. In particular it examines the perceptual consequences of auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony, which are quite different from those associated with sensorineural hearing loss, and considers currently available, and future management options.
Rance
Gary
G
Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia. grance@unimelb.edu.au
D000328:Adult; D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D001308:Auditory Perceptual Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000503:physiopathology; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003055:Cochlear Microphonic Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D003056:Cochlear Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000075202:Contraindications; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000009:adverse effects; D006313:Hearing Loss, Central / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000473:pathology; D017084:Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous / Q000502:physiology; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal; D012183:Retrograde Degeneration; D013067:Speech Perception