PP501 - Auditory Neuropathy/Dys-synchrony Disorder: An Array of Practices

Abstract:
Audiology centers across the United States were surveyed about their Auditory Neuropathy/Dys-synchrony Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) diagnosis and treatment practices. Survey results suggest that there are a variety of ways in which centers are diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with ANSD. To advance best practices and patient outcomes, it would be beneficial to establish a working group to collaborate and advance the profession. Collaborating would communicate a succinct diagnosis and treatment plan for patients with ANSD and their families.

Summary:
The rationale for the multicenter study was to determine the consistency for how Auditory Neuropathy/Dys-synchrony Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) is diagnosed, treated, and counseled across the United States. It is important that clinicians use the same metrics to diagnose and classify the disorder so that patients with ANSD and their families receive reliable information related to the complex diagnosis. Learning the guidelines of each institution, we will be able to share our best practices and collaborate to inform evidence-based practice.

Objectives of the project include:

1. Collect data from multiple centers across the United States regarding diagnosis, treatment and counseling related to ANSD.

2. Establish a task force to analyze the data collected and suggest an alignment of best practices across the United States

3. Disseminate a guideline to support centers with the diagnosis, treatment and counseling related to ANSD

Methods: Centers within the state of Colorado and across the country will be contacted via email and asked the following questions:

1. After a literature review, we have agreed that while auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony are part of a spectrum, there are discrepancies in classifying different waveform patterns. How does your clinic classify ANSD based on different test results and waveform interpretation?

2. What ICD-10 code(s) are you using for patients with ANSD? Are you using a primary diagnosis, or a combination of primary and secondary diagnoses?

3. Are patients with ANSD patients (unilateral and bilateral) qualifying for early intervention services in your state?

Data will be organized in a REDCap database and trends will be organized thematically. The results of the survey will be analyzed and described with the end goal of forming a working group or task force of audiologists/clinics. The data will be used to help make informed decisions when implementing protocols for working with and diagnosing patients with ANSD. These discussions/surveys will be used to ensure that a family receiving an ANSD diagnosis will be given the same information and care across clinics.