What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss is hearing loss associated with age or injury. Noise-induced hearing loss is a form of sensorineural hearing loss as is a hearing impairment that results from a traumatic injury, such as an explosion. Conductive hearing loss, on the other hand, is usually temporary and results from infections in the ear, ear-wax buildup, or children’s conditions, such as glue ear.  

Conditions that Affect Sensorineural Hearing

Sensorineural hearing loss can come about from several infections and conditions. For example, Meniere’s disease is a condition where an individual suffers from ailments such as hearing loss, vertigo and tinnitus – all of which can impact one’s ability to hear or perform daily tasks. Acoustic neuroma can also affect sensorineural hearing as it is a benign growth that develops on the auditory nerve. Other conditions that affect sensorineural hearing include meningitis, encephalitis and Multiple sclerosis.  

Head injuries, autoimmune conditions and ear malformations can also impact the hearing of an individual. A stroke, which is a condition where the blood supply is interrupted or cut off to the brain, can also result in a hearing impairment. Treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as certain antibiotics, may also result in damage to the auditory nerve and cochlea in the inner ear. 

If you currently have a chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, your risk of experiencing hearing loss is also increased. Surprisingly, sensorineural hearing loss is considered permanent. Therefore, the use of a hearing aid is frequently required to improve the impairment.  

Types of Hearing Aids and Implants to Treat Sensorineural Hearing Loss

In order to treat sensorineural hearing loss, the use of digital hearing aids is often recommended. For people who are not able to use digital aids, bone anchored implants are available. Middle ear implants are also recommended for people who cannot use hearing aids.   

If you currently suffer from sensorineural hearing loss, you will need to set up an appointment with an audiologist to determine the amount of hearing loss you are experiencing and the specific hearing aids that will assist you in hearing better again.   

Ultimately, your decision for a hearing aid will be based on the amount of hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your hearing requirements. Typically, implants should only be considered if hearing loss is severe, a hearing aid fails to provide the desired outcome, or the use of hearing aids cause some sort of discomfort. In the end, the individual suffering from hearing loss is allowed to choose the route he or she wishes to. However, before choosing any one of the options listed above, it is recommended to consult an audiologist and undergo a hearing test to determine the pros and cons of a specific treatment.