
Auditory neuropathy
Auditory neuropathy is a hearing disorder that affects how sound travels from the inner ear to the brain. In this condition, sound enters the ear normally, but the communication between the inner ear (cochlea) and the auditory nerve is disrupted. This can lead to difficulties in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, despite having normal hearing ability in quieter settings. It often varies in severity and may be present from birth or develop later in life. Diagnosis typically involves specialized tests, and treatment may include hearing aids or cochlear implants, depending on individual circumstances.