[Study of unilateral auditory neuropathy in infants].

OBJECTIVE

To study neurophysiological characteristics in infants with unilateral auditory neuropathy (UAN).

METHOD: Audiological measurements (acoustic immittance, stapedial reflex, EOAE, ABR, CM, MLR and ERP) and peripheral neurological tests were conducted and evaluated in 3 infants with UAN. All patients received CT scan and/or MRI examination.

RESULT: Three patients had type "A" tympanogram. The ipsilateral and crossed stapedial reflexes were elicited in healthy ears, while those were absent in affected ears. Affected ears in 3 cases showed no ABR but normal CM and EOAE. All of them had normal MLR and ERP (P300 and MMN) recording. Peripheral neurological tests and CT and/or MRI showed no abnormality.

CONCLUSION

Neurophysiological characteristics in infants with UAN were similar with bilateral AN. The diagnosis of UAN in infants should focus on analyzing their neurophysiological characteristics and imaging examinations. Combining use of EOAEs, ABR and CM was recommended. It was necessary to follow up the infants with AN.