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Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathway from the inner ear to the brain (the auditory nerve). It is the most common type of hearing loss.
How does sensorineural hearing loss occur?
In the inner ear, there are thousands of tiny hair cells that are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the brain via the auditory nerve, where they are interpreted as sound. If these hair cells are damaged or destroyed, or if there is a problem with the auditory nerve, sensorineural hearing loss will occur.
Causes of sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss can have many different causes, including:
- Age – hearing loss that develops as a result of aging (presbycusis)
- Noise exposure – prolonged exposure to loud sounds or a single exposure to a very loud sound
- Genetics – inherited genetic conditions that affect the structure or function of the inner ear
- Infections – such as meningitis or rubella (especially if contracted during pregnancy)
- Head injury – trauma to the head or ear
- Ototoxic medications – certain medications that are known to damage the inner ear, such as some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs
- Disease – such as Meniere’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune inner ear disease
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss – sudden hearing loss in one ear that may be caused by viral infection, circulatory problems, or other factors
Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty hearing or understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
- Muffled hearing
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- Dizziness or vertigo (if the balance nerve is affected)
Prevention and treatment of sensorineural hearing loss
While sensorineural hearing loss cannot be cured (as the damage to the hair cells or nerve is usually permanent), there are ways to prevent further damage and to manage the condition:
- Hearing protection – wear ear protection (such as ear plugs or ear muffs) when exposed to loud noise
- Hearing aids – to amplify sound and help with communication
- Cochlear implants – for severe hearing loss that is not helped by hearing aids
- Tinnitus management – to manage any associated ringing in the ears
- Medical treatment – in some cases, medication or other medical treatments may be recommended depending on the underlying cause
If you are experiencing hearing loss or think you may have sensorineural hearing loss, we recommend that you have your hearing tested. Contact us to arrange an appointment for a comprehensive hearing assessment.
