An Investigation of the Diagnostic and Management Protocols Audiologists Follow for Pediatric Patients with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder

This research sought to investigate how pediatric audiologists diagnose and recommend management plans for pediatric patients with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD). There was a focus of this study on the many considerations audiologists face when recommending cochlear implant candidacy for pediatric patients with ANSD. The researcher interviewed six pediatric audiologists to first gain better clinical knowledge of ANSD, then used interviewee responses to generate a nationwide survey about the protocols being followed by audiologists when diagnosing and managing pediatric patients with ANSD. The survey was posted electronically to a number of American Speech-Language and Hearing Association Special Interest Groups and ANSD social media webpages. Results from the study found that the heterogeneity among pediatric patients with ANSD does not allow for a “one-size-fits-all” protocol list to be followed when trying to diagnose or manage all pediatric patients with this disorder. Instead, pediatric patients with ANSD should be treated on a case-by-case basis to determine what management plan would best suit the individual’s needs and capabilities