Environmental sounds and hearing disability in auditory neuropathy
Reviewed by Yovina Khiroya-Morjaria

This cross-sectional study examined whether environmental sound perception contributes to self-perceived hearing abilities in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). In total, 42 participants with ANSD completed the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ), alongside measures of speech identification and environmental sound perception. The authors found that both speech perception and environmental sound perception correlated with SSQ scores, indicating that poorer auditory performance was associated with greater perceived hearing difficulties. Interestingly, environmental sound perception emerged as the only significant independent predictor of overall SSQ performance. The study highlights an often-overlooked aspect of auditory assessment. While speech perception testing forms a routine component of audiological evaluation, environmental sound recognition is rarely measured despite its obvious importance for safety, navigation and participation in everyday listening environments. The findings suggest that difficulties recognising non-speech sounds may have a substantial impact on real-world hearing experiences in ANSD. Although the study is limited by its cross-sectional design and the absence of speech-in-noise measures, it provides useful evidence supporting a broader assessment approach in this population. The authors also raise the interesting possibility of incorporating environmental sound training into rehabilitation programmes. This paper will be of interest to clinicians working with ANSD and those considering outcome measures that better reflect everyday listening challenges.

Does environmental sound perception contribute to self-perceived hearing abilities in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder?
Sasidharan M, Bhat RJ, Mohan KM, Ramadas V.
HEAR BALANCE COMMUN
2026;24(1):7–16.