A Case Study and Critical Review on the Management of Rare Case of Sudden-Onset Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder in Pediatrics Through Ayurveda Rasayana Chikitsa

Abstract Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is a less common retrocochlear hearing disorder characterized by impaired speech perception. The general population incidence varies, but approximately 1–3 children/10,000 births are affected. With proper follow-up, medical devices, and therapies, a child with ANSD can develop good language, communication, and hearing skills. The present study demonstrates a case of a 14-year-old girl who was diagnosed as suffering from ANSD and reported to the Shalakya outpatient department with complaints of sudden-onset decreased hearing in both ears and declined speech understanding for 1 year. The treatment was planned based on Ayurvedic principles with Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy) and procedures like Anutaila Pratimarsha Nasya (nasal drops) daily and Asanabilwadi taila Karnapurana (ear drops), Shiroabhyanaga (head massage) weekly twice along with internal medications such as Sarivadi vati 250 mg once a day for 30 days, Brahmi Ghrita sevana 5 g once daily for 2 months, Kushmanada rasayana 5 g once a day orally for 2 months followed by Brahma Rasayana 5 g once a day orally for 2 months along with Vacha churna 0.5 g once a day; Aravindasava and Ashwaganda churna for 3 months twice a day after the food was also advised . Chyavana prash was given only during the follow-up period. The outcome was measured based on symptomatic changes in hearing and speech discrimination ability. After 6 months, in addition to audiometric changes, there was improvement in hearing and speech. Early detection and close monitoring are recommended to avoid the deterioration of cases.