Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Signs, Causes, & Solutions
Hearing is one of the most important ways we interact with the world, and when we begin to lose it, it can have a huge impact on our lives. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common of the different types of hearing loss.
While the onset is gradual for most, sometimes an injury or disease can cause your hearing to change suddenly. Either way, the sooner you connect with a good audiologist, the sooner you can regain control.
What Causes Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
SNHL occurs when small hair cells in the cochlea (inner ear) or the auditory nerve are damaged. This makes it difficult to convert sound waves into signals the brain can interpret. Auditory loss is often a gradual experience, but for some of our patients, the onset is much more abrupt.
Sudden sensorineural loss has a variety of causes, the most obvious being head trauma or exposure to extremely loud noises. It can also be caused by acute or chronic illness – a virus, an autoimmune inner ear disease, Ménière’s disease, or even a central nervous system disease like multiple sclerosis. Occasionally, it can be caused by a tumor pressing on the auditory nerve.
Signs of SNHL
Sensorineural hearing loss can either be caused by exposure to very loud noises (also called noise-induced hearing loss) or simply be age-related. Some people are born with damage to their inner ears, causing congenital hearing loss. Regardless of the cause, it is permanent – which makes being able to identify the early signs even more important.
Some common signs of SNHL are:
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Muffled sounds
- Dizziness
- Full or “stuffy” sensation in the ear
- Sudden or steady loss
- Ringing in the ears
If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your audiologist as soon as possible.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
If you’re experiencing auditory difficulties, the first step is to ask your audiologist for an expert hearing evaluation. A comprehensive hearing test helps us understand the cause and severity of your loss.
Treatment options include medication, supportive devices, and ongoing assessments to track your condition. Hearing aids, in particular, can be a game changer for anyone with even mild difficulties. Other interventions include supportive strategies such as using subtitles or providing priority seating for children at school. Some types may require surgical intervention.
Hear the World at Its Best With NYC Hearing Associates
Our experienced, board-certified audiologists provide in-depth assessments and care. Should you be experiencing any problems, we’ll work with you every step of the way to protect and preserve your hearing and keep you connected to your world. If you notice any signs of sensorineural hearing loss or other changes, book a consultation at NYC Hearing Associates, and we’ll get in touch.