Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Are you struggling to hear conversations clearly? Do voices sound muffled, or do you often ask people to repeat themselves? You may be experiencing sensorineural hearing loss, a common type of hearing impairment that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs when the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged, preventing sound signals from being processed correctly.

Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including aging, exposure to loud noises, infections, head injuries, and certain medications. While this type of hearing loss is usually permanent, modern treatments such as hearing aids and cochlear implants can significantly improve hearing and quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies for sensorineural hearing loss. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulties, read on to learn about the best solutions available.

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Definition of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a type of hearing impairment that results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound waves cannot pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear, SNHL affects the transmission of sound signals to the brain. This means that even if sound reaches the inner ear, it cannot be properly processed or interpreted by the auditory system.

This form of hearing loss is the most common, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases of permanent hearing loss. SNHL can develop suddenly or progress gradually over time, affecting either one ear (unilateral sensorineural hearing loss) or both ears (bilateral sensorineural hearing loss). While it often occurs in older adults due to age-related changes, it can also affect younger individuals as a result of environmental and genetic factors.

Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

There are numerous potential causes of sensorineural hearing loss, and understanding them can help with early detection and prevention. Some of the most common causes include:

• Aging (Presbycusis): One of the leading causes of sensorineural hearing loss is the natural aging process. Over time, the delicate hair cells in the cochlea deteriorate, leading to reduced sound perception. Age-related hearing loss typically affects high-frequency sounds first, making it difficult to hear speech clearly, especially in noisy environments.

• Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can permanently damage the inner ear. This includes listening to loud music through headphones, attending concerts without ear protection, working in construction or factories, and exposure to gunfire or explosions. Noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss can develop over time or occur suddenly due to an extremely loud noise event, such as a firecracker explosion.

• Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to sensorineural hearing loss due to inherited conditions that affect auditory nerve function or inner ear development. If hearing loss runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk.

• Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications are known to be toxic to the ear, damaging the cochlear hair cells or the auditory nerve. These include some antibiotics (such as aminoglycosides), chemotherapy drugs (such as cisplatin), diuretics, and high doses of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Infections and Diseases: Viral and bacterial infections, such as meningitis, measles, mumps, and Meniere’s disease, can lead to permanent hearing damage by attacking the inner ear or auditory nerve.

• Head Trauma and Injuries: A direct impact on the head, such as a concussion or skull fracture, can damage the cochlea and auditory nerve, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss.

Symptoms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss can vary depending on the severity of the condition and whether it affects one or both ears. People with SNHL often report the following:

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments: Background noise can make it challenging to distinguish individual words, causing frustration in social settings.

• Muffled or distorted sounds: Sounds may not seem as crisp or clear as they once were, making it harder to understand conversations.

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): Many people with sensorineural hearing loss experience persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds, which can be disruptive and distressing.

• Inability to hear high-pitched sounds: Individuals with SNHL often struggle to hear higher frequencies, such as children’s voices, birds chirping, or alarms.

• Needing to increase the volume on electronic devices: You may find yourself turning up the TV, radio, or phone volume more frequently than before.

• Asking people to repeat themselves: If you frequently ask others to speak louder or slower, it could be a sign of sensorineural hearing loss.

Since sensorineural hearing loss can develop gradually, many people do not notice their hearing loss until it becomes more pronounced. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further deterioration.

How is Sensorineural Hearing Loss Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have sensorineural hearing loss, it is important to visit an audiologist or hearing specialist for a thorough evaluation. The diagnostic process typically includes:

Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA): This test determines the your hearing thresholds. It helps establish the degree and type pattern of hearing loss.

• Speech Audiometry: This test assesses how well you can hear and understand spoken words at various volume levels.

• Tympanometry: This evaluates the function of the middle ear to rule out conductive hearing loss.

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): This test measures the response of hair cells in the cochlea to sound stimulation, helping identify inner ear damage.

• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): This test checks the nerve pathways between the inner ear and brain to assess auditory nerve function.

These tests help determine the severity of sensorineural hearing loss and guide the selection of appropriate treatment options.

Treatment Options for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Although sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, there are several treatment options available to help individuals improve their hearing and communication abilities.

Hearing Aids

• The most common treatment for mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss.

• Amplifies sound to improve speech clarity and environmental awareness.

• Available in various styles, including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), completely-in-the-canal (CIC) models or other discrete custom hearing aids.

• Modern hearing aids come with advanced features such as noise reduction, Bluetooth connectivity, and AI-driven sound processing features.

Cochlear Implants

• Recommended for individuals with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids.

• Surgically implanted device that directly stimulates the auditory nerve, bypassing damaged hair cells.

• Requires rehabilitation and auditory training to help users adapt to the new way of hearing.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

• Includes FM systems such as remote microphones, and TVconnector.
• Helps individuals with sensorineural hearing loss hear better in specific situations.

Auditory Rehabilitation and Speech Therapy

• Helps people adjust to their hearing loss and improve communication skills.

• Useful for those using hearing aids or cochlear implants for the first time.

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Your Hearing

While sensorineural hearing loss is often irreversible, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Wear Ear Protection: Use earplugs or ear muff when exposed to loud noise at dangerous level.

• Keep Volume Levels Safe: Follow the 60/60 rule—listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
  
• Avoid Ototoxic Medications: Consult your doctor about the potential side effects of certain drugs or certain supplements.
  
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can help protect your hearing.
• Schedule Regular Hearing Checkups: Early detection allows for timely intervention and better hearing outcomes.

Take the Next Step – Visit The Hearing Centre Today!

If you are experiencing symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss, early intervention is key. At The Hearing Centre, we provide:

• Comprehensive hearing assessments

• Expert consultations with audiologists

• Latest hearing aid technology and cochlear implants

• Personalized hearing solutions for all levels of hearing loss

Don’t let hearing loss affect your quality of life. Book a consultation with The Hearing Centre today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can sensorineural hearing loss be reversed?

No, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, but hearing aids and cochlear implants can improve hearing ability.

Q2. How do I know if I have sensorineural hearing loss?

Common signs include difficulty hearing in noisy environments, muffled speech, and increased sensitivity to loud sounds. A comprehensive hearing test can confirm the diagnosis.

Q3. What is the most effective treatment for sensorineural hearing loss?

Hearing aids are the most common treatment, while cochlear implants are recommended for severe cases.

Q4. Is sensorineural hearing loss genetic?

Yes, some cases of sensorineural hearing loss are hereditary and can run in families.

Q5. Can stress cause sensorineural hearing loss?

Stress alone doesn’t cause sensorineural hearing loss, but it can contribute to symptoms like tinnitus.

Q6. How can I protect my hearing from sensorineural damage?

Avoid long exposure to loud noises, wear ear protection, and maintain overall health to prevent sensorineural hearing loss.

Q7. Can sensorineural hearing loss affect one ear only?

Yes, sensorineural hearing loss can occur in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral).

Q8. Where can I get a professional hearing assessment in Singapore?

At The Hearing Centre, expert audiologists provide comprehensive hearing tests and personalized solutions for sensorineural hearing loss.