Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there is damage to the inner ear or to the nerves that travel from the ear to the brain.
Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and can make even loud noises sound muffled.
Aging is a main cause of all types of hearing loss - and therefore also sensorineural hearing loss. The first signs of progressive hearing loss can be problems in understanding speech in background noise. It tends to develop at the age of about 60 years and onwards.
Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by loud noise exposure, which can lead to damage in the inner ear. We are constantly exposed to sounds, both at work and outside work.
Genetic sensorineural hearing loss may affect infants from birth or develop later in life.
Injections during pregnancy, complications during birth, premature birth, and hereditary predispositions can all cause sensorineural hearing loss in newborns.
Sensorineural hearing loss can be a side-effect of certain medications and cancer treatment.
Early treatment is recommended, as sensorineural hearing loss may lead to isolation and reduced quality of life.
This type of hearing loss can rarely be reversed by medical or surgical procedures. Sensorineural hearing loss can often be helped with hearing aids.
The best way to diagnose and treat sensorineural hearing loss is to visit a hearing care professional for a full hearing evaluation.
