Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)

Information for families

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is called a spectrum disorder because it can look different for each child. It is considered a type of sensorineural hearing loss, which involves the nerve in the inner ear that sends sounds to the brain. It is generally not expected to improve over time.

In ANSD, some parts of the inner ear may be working well, but sound signals are not being passed along the hearing pathway in a clear or organized way. Tests don’t always show exactly where the problem is, and sometimes more than one part of the inner ear is involved. Areas that may be affected include the inner hair cells in the cochlea, the connection between these cells and the hearing nerve, the hearing nerve itself, or the brainstem.

In all cases, the timing or pattern of sound signals sent to the brain is disrupted, which makes sounds like speech harder for the brain to understand.

Testing for ANSD

Testing for ANSD can be done on children of all ages. Your child might have ANSD if the tests show that the middle ear and the inner ear are working, but there is a problem somewhere on the pathway from the inner ear to the brain. Learn more about hearing tests for children.

Effects of ANSD

The effects of ANSD vary from one child to another.

Most children with ANSD have some hearing loss and often have trouble understanding speech, particularly in noisy places.

When a child is very young, it is not possible to know how ANSD will affect their hearing or communication as they grow. So it’s important to keep monitoring your child’s hearing over time. Information from your family, along with input from audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals, will all help guide the best care and support for your child.

Managing ANSD

You and your child will meet with different healthcare professionals over time, including an audiologist, family doctor or pediatrician, ear nose and throat specialist, speech-language therapist, and social worker.

Through regular hearing tests and information from you about how your child responds to sounds in their everyday life, the team will offer support for how you can help your child communicate and develop language. Your team will support the communication approach you prefer. Hearing technologies may be an option.

If you have questions or concerns about ANSD or your child's hearing, talk with your audiologist.

To see this information online and learn more, visit https://MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_auditory_neuro_disorder_child_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: August 17, 2026

Author: Audiology, Allied Health Professions

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.