Audiology: auditory neuropathy: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Audiology: auditory neuropathy

Sample item

A child has poor speech understanding but otoacoustic emissions are present and the ABR is absent or abnormal. What is this condition?

AAuditory neuropathy spectrum disorderBCortical deafnessCConductive hearing lossDCochlear hair cell loss

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder

Preserved outer hair cell function (OAE or cochlear microphonic) with abnormal neural responses on ABR indicates dysfunction at the inner hair cell, synapse or auditory nerve. Hearing aids may be of limited benefit and cochlear implantation is sometimes considered.

Option by option

A. Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (correct)
Correct. Present OAE with abnormal ABR defines auditory neuropathy.
B. Cortical deafness
Cortical deafness is not detected in this pattern.
C. Conductive hearing loss
Conductive loss usually abolishes OAEs.
D. Cochlear hair cell loss
Hair cell loss abolishes OAEs.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is A, Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. Preserved outer hair cell function (OAE or cochlear microphonic) with abnormal neural responses on ABR indicates dysfunction at the inner hair cell, synapse or auditory nerve.

Why is "Cortical deafness" not the answer?

Cortical deafness is not detected in this pattern.

Why is "Conductive hearing loss" not the answer?

Conductive loss usually abolishes OAEs.

Why is "Cochlear hair cell loss" not the answer?

Hair cell loss abolishes OAEs.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Audiology: auditory neuropathy in ENT. Hearing aids may be of limited benefit and cochlear implantation is sometimes considered.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Audiology: auditory neuropathy?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.