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Semin Hear 2011; 32(2): 123-128
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1277233
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Transient Auditory Neuropathy in Infants: How to Conceptualize the Recovery of Auditory Brain Stem Response in the Context of Newborn Hearing Screening?

Kai Uus1
  • 1Audiology and Deafness Research Group, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 July 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Newborn hearing screening programs are being introduced across the world. Depending on the protocol, these programs usually allow for the identification of neonates and young infants with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). This article reviews the issues around auditory brain stem response (ABR) recovery in young infants, putting forward the suggestion that it is not necessarily always associated with normal physiological maturational changes. In some cases, it is related to pathological neuromaturational delay but also other factors. The author argues for conceptualizing ABR recovery as transient ANSD and firmly including it as part of the spectrum.

KEYWORDS

Newborn hearing screening - auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder - transient auditory neuropathy - neuromaturation - prematurity and low birth weight - support for families

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Kai UusM.D. Ph.D. 

B2.1 Ellen Wilkinson Building, University of Manchester

Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom

Email: kai.uus@manchester.ac.uk