Understanding Sensorineural
Hearing Loss

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a type of hearing loss that occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. This damage can affect your ability to hear sounds clearly, especially higher-pitched sounds.

Services & Procedures

Types of Turbinate Surgery

There are several surgical techniques to reduce the size of enlarged turbinates:

Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

  • Noise-induced hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear.
  • Aging: As we age, the hair cells in the inner ear can deteriorate, leading to gradual hearing loss.
  • Genetic factors: Certain genetic conditions can cause hearing loss.
  • Head injury: Trauma to the head can damage the inner ear or auditory nerve.
  • Ototoxic medications: Some medications can damage the hearing nerve.
  • Viral infections: Viral infections, such as measles or mumps, can affect the inner ear.
  • Meniere's disease: This condition affects the inner ear and can cause fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Symptoms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

  • Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
  • Muffled or unclear speech
  • Trouble understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Feeling the need to turn up the volume on the TV or radio

Diagnosis of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

A hearing test, called an audiogram, can diagnose sensorineural hearing loss. This test measures your ability to hear sounds at different pitches and volumes.

Treatment of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

While there is no cure for sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aids can significantly improve your ability to hear and understand speech. Hearing aids amplify sounds and make them clearer. They come in various styles and technologies to suit different needs and preferences.

  • Other Management Strategies:
  • Communication strategies: Learning communication strategies, such as lip-reading and using visual cues, can help you better understand conversations.
  • Assistive listening devices: These devices can amplify sounds and reduce background noise, making it easier to hear in specific situations, such as in a restaurant or at a meeting.
  • Cochlear implants: In severe cases of hearing loss, a cochlear implant may be an option. This surgically implanted device directly stimulates the auditory nerve.
  • Preventing Sensorineural Hearing Loss:
  • Protect your hearing: Wear earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noise.
  • Avoid loud music: Listen to music at a moderate volume.
  • Regular hearing check-ups: Get regular hearing tests, especially if you are exposed to loud noise or have a family history of hearing loss.

If you think you may have sensorineural hearing loss, it’s important to see a hearing healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan, including discussing the option of hearing aids.

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This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.