Auditory Neuropathy Essay Example

in the inner ear's hair cells responsible for transmitting sound to the brain, as well as nerve damage. These issues may happen individually or simultaneously. It is important to note that although outer hair cells are more prone to damage than inner hair cells, they usually work correctly in people with auditory neuropathy.

While a definite cause-and-effect link has not been determined, different factors have been connected to auditory neuropathy in children. Some children with this condition encountered health issues before or during birth such as low birth weight, premature delivery, insufficient oxygen supply, and jaundice. Additionally, specific drugs given to address medical complications during pregnancy or after birth may harm the inner ear hair cells and result in auditory neuropathy.

Hereditary factors may contribute to certain instances of auditory neuropathy which can be heritable. Additionally, individuals with this condition might experience neurological disorders that impact other areas besides hearing, such as Friedreich's ataxia and Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome. Presently, there is no concrete solution for auditory neuropathy and the effectiveness of tools like hearing aids and cochlear implants varies according to expert opinions.

Experts recommend hearing aids and personal listening devices such as frequency modulation (FM) systems as beneficial for individuals with auditory neuropathy. Cochlear implants may also be useful for those with damaged or non-functioning inner ear parts, but there are currently no tests available to determine suitability for these devices. The most effective ways to educate and develop communication skills in children with hearing impairments are still under debate. However, professionals suggest that parents work with a team who considers each child's individual situation, options, family members, and caregivers.

It is widely believed that frequent interaction with infants

who have auditory neuropathy, through holding, facing, smiling and responding to them, is crucial for parents and caregivers. There are two main methods for teaching communication skills to infants and children who experience this condition. The first method suggests using sign language as their primary language at the beginning while the second approach advocates for a combination of listening skills, spoken English and technological aids such as cochlear implants and hearing aids.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders in the USA suggests that both methods can be effective. Health professionals believe that relying only on spoken language may pose challenges for children with auditory neuropathy, who have difficulty understanding speech. Speechreading (or lip reading) may be beneficial for older children and adults who already know how to speak.