Objective:To analyze neurophysiological characteristics in infants and young children with auditory neuropathy(AN) and explore their clinical significance.Methods: Audiological measurements(acoustic immittance, EOAEs, ABR, CM, MLR and ERPs) and peripheral neurological tests were conducted and evaluated in 13 infants and young children with AN. Six of them received high-resolution temporal bone CT scans and/or cerebral MRI examinations.Results: All of the children showed type “A” tympanograms with abseatation of stapedial reflexes. EOAEs were normal in 12 of 13 subjects. In one child who had a history of anoxia during the birth,the EOAEs were not elicited. Click-evoked ABRs were absent in 12 of 13 subjects when maximum output of the instrument was reached. The CM potentials were presented bilaterally in all individuals,which were independent of the EOAEs and ABR. Of eight cases tested,all had clear MLR and six showed normal ERPs(P300 and MMN). Peripheral neurological tests and radiological findings were within the normal ranges. Conclusion: The diagnosis of AN in infants and young children should focus on analyzing their neurophysiological characteristics,especially on CM,MLR and ERPs. Combined use of EOAEs, ABR and CM was recommended for hearing screening on newborns with high risk factors.
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