What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)?
This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerve from the ear to the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear, specifically the cochlea and the auditory nerve. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent because the cells can’t regenerate, but some people may be able to still hear depending on the severity. Schedule an appointment with HEAR Ontario today!
Understanding Sensorineural Hearing Loss
There are three types of hearing loss—conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common, accounting for over 90 percent of cases.
This occurs when sound signals that travel to the brain are damaged. Inside the cochlear of the ear are tiny hair cells responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals. These signals travel along the auditory nerve to the brain. When these cells or pathways are damaged, it results in reduced hearing clarity and volume.
Symptoms of Sensoneural Hearing Loss
If you think you may have hearing loss, you may experience the following symptoms. It is important to seek help early to avoid further complications.
Common indicators of sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Trouble distinguishing speech from background noise
- Thinking people are mumbling or speaking unclearly
- More difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears
- Increased sensitivity to loud noises
- Often turning up the volume on devices
Causes and Diagnosing Sensoneural Hearing Loss
Your provider will talk with you about your symptoms to determine if you are experiencing SNHL.
You can expect:
- An overview of your medical history
- Discussion about symptoms and hearing loss
- A physical exam with a look inside the ear
- Audiologic testing
- Tests to evaluate the nerve pathways when needed
- Imagining tests like an MRI or CT scan
Causes of this condition can vary widely, but most often include:
- Age-related hearing loss- is the most common cause, comes on gradually, and affects the high frequencies first
- Prolonged exposure to loud noise or sudden loud impulse noise
- Side effects from medications such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin
- Complications dude to infection or virus
- Diseases or conditions affecting balance and vertigo
- Genetic disorders
Treating Sensoneural Hearing Loss
As you discuss your options with your provider, treatment for SNHL may vary depending on the:
- Cause
- Severity
- Whether it is sudden or gradual
Most SNHL cannot be cured, but early diagnosis and appropriate intervention can significantly improve quality of life and communication.
You can expect the following treatment options:
- Treatment for a medical emergency if it comes on suddenly
- Steroids if treated quickly and hearing loss is sudden
- Management for diseases or tumors that could be influencing hearing
- Hearing aids for mild to moderate cases do help amplify sounds
- Cochlear implant surgery to directly stimulate the auditory nerve for more profound cases
- Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) to help in specific situations like amplifying the TV, assisting with phone calls, or blue tooth divides for the classroom
