HEARING LOSS: SENSORINEURAL

Sensorineural hearing loss is more common in adults than children. This type of loss occurs when there is damage to the structures of the inner ear or damage to the auditory nerve that sends those impulses from the inner ear to the brain. The resulting hearing loss can range from mild to profound. It is usually not reversible. Sometimes it can be helped with hearing aids, but the degree of sound distortion may limit the usefulness of hearing aids.

Some causes of sensorineural hearing loss are:

injury
noise
infection or disease
medicines and
aging

Most nerve deafness in children is present at birth. This type of hearing loss may be due to such factors as:

genetics
prematurity
infection or
specific illnesses of the mother during pregnancy, such as German measles and
medications given to the mother

Early detection of children with nerve deafness is important because language skills are based on hearing ability. Identification of adults with this type of hearing loss is critical, as well. Assistive devices may help reduce their sense of isolation, frustration, and depression.

Hearing loss can be gradual or sudden. Because hearing loss is often gradual, many adults are not aware of its presence. They may feel that people just do not speak clearly. Noise exposure is often responsible for loss of hearing, especially in the male population. Meniere's Disease is the third most common hearing disorder in adults. Symptoms include an off and on hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and balance problems.

If you suspect a hearing loss, contact your healthcare provider for a hearing test. A hearing test can determine the degree and type of hearing loss.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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