This example is often used in Audiology to demonstrate various "hearing loss" caused by Auditory Neuropathy. In Auditory Neuropathy, the outer hair cell nerves in the cochlea function normally. This is in contrast to sensory hearing loss where the outer hair cells are damaged and hearing aids help compensate for this damage. Treatment for Auditory Neuropathy can include hearing aids (with caution), cochlear implantation, or ASL or cued speech. At this time, we cannot predict the severity of the Auditory Neuropathy based on objective tests (i.e. Auditory Brainstem Response). We have to monitor the child's auditory skill development (i.e. head to turns to mom's voice, startle to loud sounds) and later speech and language skill development. In addition, there have been cases where the Auditory Neuropathy resolved in later years.
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