The prevalence of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder in neonates referred from the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme in Avon (Greater Bristol Area)

Abstract

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of ANSD in the NICU population in Avon. To characterise initial test results and eventual outcomes in terms of behavioural responses and treatment received for children with ANSD.MethodsData was collected from the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme database to determine the number of babies with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. eSP and audiological paper records were reviewed to determine the number of babies diagnosed with ANSD, their behavioural hearing thresholds and how the babies were managed.ResultsThe average incidence of congenital bilateral sensori-neural loss in Avon was 1.53 per 1000 births (range 1.03 to 1.94 per 1000 births); the average incidence of ANSD was 0.24 per 1000 births (range 0 to 0.52 per 1000 births). Over a period of 8 years, 21 out of 134 (15.7%) children identified with abnormal air and bone conduction ABR thresholds were diagnosed with ANSD. It is not possible to predict the eventual audiogram from the initial test results when ANSD is diagnosed.DiscussionANSD is an uncommon condition in newborn babies. These children with ANSD are highly likely to have a hearing loss of some degree.