By Linda J. Hood

This article is a part of the May/June 2021, Volume 33, Number 3, Audiology Today issue.

The Academy Research Conference (ARC) 2021 took place virtually on April 8, 2021, focusing on the topic of auditory neuropathy (AN). This year’s ARC brought together an outstanding group of experts from basic science, translational research, and clinical practice to address current issues and new directions in the evaluation and management of patients presenting with this auditory disorder.

Several terms are used to describe this group of patients, building on the first modern description of auditory neuropathy by Starr et al in 1996. The considerable variation observed among patients has been captured by terms such as auditory dys-synchrony and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (AN/ANSD). Recent developments have led to the term auditory synaptopathy and the ability to distinguish patients with auditory neuropathy from those with auditory synaptopathy (Moser and Starr, 2016).

Research continues at a rapid pace as scientists and clinicians work to understand this complex hearing disorder, identify associated genetic mutations and genotype-phenotype relationships, develop methods for accurate diagnosis, and implement evidence-based, effective management. The unique challenges that these patients, ranging in age across the lifespan, present underscore continued interest in sharing new findings and clinical experience, which fits the goals of the Academy Research Conference.

The abstracts provided here summarize the presentations of the 2021 ARC speakers.

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