Writings about Ataxia, being DeafBlind, family life. The best life can offer!


Neuropathy

Hey folks …

This word seems to be commonly tossed around… for many reasons… but what is it, exactly?

Well; after looking at one website, I can tell you that it is a general term, that can, probably, be used with everything connected to the body & mind…

That one website indicates that Neuropathy is, basically, nerve damage; the website expands that to include: dysfunction, pathology, irritation, disease or damage.

Obviously, Neuropathy can be applied to almost anything, which I just said. However, there is really only some many areas.

I bet there is quite a few neuropathies found in me… or there could be just one… I feel special either way! I’ll explore those later…

I want to blog about ANSD: Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder.

This term is what the Audiologist thinks I may have, my deafness. ANSD, according to another website, refers to problems in the transmission of sound from the ear’s innermost part (the inner ear) to the brain. What I understand this means is: the sound is heard, but due to neuropathy (remember: Nerve Damage!) the brain does not receive the sound as what it is, but as white noise.

Take for example: I’m at McDonalds right now, I bought a cup of coffee, I verbally ordered this. The cashier replied to me, probably saying “Sure.” or “Did you want anything else?” I did not reply to anything, but instead showed her my ATM card, which concluded the transaction. I bet she said “$1.05 please” and “Thank you” but not “Snack you”. I did not hear anything at all! The room was not very busy, or it was, I am Deaf!

Perhaps ANSD is what my son has, and if so, he might be a good candidate for a Cochlear implant… Because he is still young enough to capitalize on his hearing. I am going to bring this up at his upcoming Hearing Test…

Thank you for reading!

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About the author

Craig MacLean is DeafBlind with ataxia, a rare condition called CAPOS. He & his wife of 22 years have two sons, the oldest of which has CAPOS as well.

Craig uses American Sign Language to communicate. He is an avid writer, friend, Hot Wheel collector and intervenor advocate.

Craig sits on many committees, boards and associations as a DeafBlind rep. He graduated university with a BA in psychology in 2000.