Learn

Dr Kirsty Gardner-Berry
BSc. M.Aud. MASA (ccp) PhD

Kirsty has been working as an audiologist for over 20 years, with a particular focus on paediatric audiology and electrophysiological testing.

Kirsty completed her Bachelor of Science and post-graduate studies in Audiology at the University of Melbourne; her Masters in Audiology at Macquarie University; and Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Sydney. 

One of Kirsty’s main areas of specialty is in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD).  Her PhD was undertaken at the National Acoustic Laboratories, where she investigated the use of electrophysiological testing techniques to assist in the management of infants and children with ANSD.  Kirsty also has a particular interest in the early identification of hearing loss through newborn hearing screening, and is a member of the Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Committee.  

he following questions are covered in the webinar:

1. What is ANSD, and why can’t the audiologist tell me the degree of my baby’s hearing loss when there is ANSD?
2. What might ANSD sound like?
3. What are the different causes of ANSD?
4. What’s the plan?  How will my audiologist and early intervention centre help me to work out whether my baby will need hearing aids or a cochlear implant?
5. Should our family start using sign language with our baby/child?
6. How does the speech and language development of a child with ANSD compare to a child with a typical sensorineural hearing loss?
7. Which professionals should be on my team?  How will they help me to monitor my child’s progress over time?
8. What are some of the warning signs that I should look out for that could mean I need to consider changing from hearing aids to a cochlear implant?