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Sensorineural hearing loss

Man with hearing loss enjoying a sunny garden scene while smiling.

What is sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common of the three types of hearing loss (with the other two being conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss).

This type of hearing loss implies that the tiny hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve (responsible for transmitting sound to the brain) are damaged. It is most often caused by the natural aging process or exposure to loud sounds.

Hearing loss types

Cross-section diagram of the inner ear showing the cochlea, auditory nerve, and surrounding structures.
Woman wearing headphones and holding a button during a hearing test.

Book a complimentary assessment for sensorineural hearing loss

Schedule a complimentary hearing assessment to find out if you have sensorineural hearing loss. We can help you understand your condition better and suggest treatment options.
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What causes sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs by damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This can happen due to several causes, including:

  • Aging - Age-related hearing loss, which is also called Presbycusis, is the most common form of sensorineural hearing loss
  • Exposure to loud sounds, such as a one-time exposure or continuous exposure to loud sounds over time
  • Certain drugs and medications
  • Genetics or complications during birth and pregnancy

What is sudden sensorineural hearing loss?

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) - known as sudden deafness - involves an unexplained rapid loss of hearing all at once or over a couple of days. It is almost always experienced in one ear only.

In some cases, sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss can be reversed by medical treatment. If you experience sudden hearing loss, visit your doctor for medical advice or call us at 844-836-5003.

6 common signs of sensorinerual hearing loss

It can be difficult to identify the signs and symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss. To help you in the process, below are 6 common signs of sensorineural hearing loss:

Four people are standing closely together, smiling and conversing animatedly, in a sunlit urban outdoor setting with buildings and trees in the background.
1. Difficulty following group conversations (especially when background noise is present)
Older couple dining at a restaurant with friends, engaged in conversation.
2. Trouble understanding speech in noisy surroundings (e.g. restaurants)
A man, wearing earphones and a grey sweater, smiles while looking at a smartphone in his hand, seated by large windows with a blurred outdoor view.
3. Difficulty understanding phone conversations
Woman with short gray hair and pearl earrings gazes thoughtfully to the side in a well-lit room with blurred background featuring plants.
4. Sounds seem unclear or people sound like they are mumbling
A person with short red hair and glasses holds their hand to their ear, as if listening carefully, against a dark grey background, wearing a maroon top.
5. Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
Woman covering her ears with both hands, possibly indicating discomfort or sensitivity to sound.
6. Ringing or buzzing in the ears (called tinnitus)
Audiologist fitting a hearing aid into a woman's ear.

How is sensorineural hearing loss treated?

Sensorineural hearing loss can most often be treated with hearing aids. There are a wide variety of hearing aids available, with plenty of options to suit your needs and preferences.

We recommend that you receive treatment as early as possible since sensorineural hearing loss can have unwanted side effects, such as decrease in quality of life and loneliness.

Book appointment Hearing loss treatment

Prevent hearing loss before it impacts you or a loved one

Even if you don't currently have symptoms of hearing loss, you can still be proactive in preventing it. Using hearing protection, such as ear plugs, molds or earmuffs, is one effective way to prevent hearing loss. Wearing this protective gear will help to protect your ears from especially loud sounds, such as :

  • Garden tools like lawn mowers and leaf blowers
  • Woodworking machinery
  • Loud appliances
  • Work-related exposure, including factories and construction sites
  • Snowmobiles
  • Music

Excessively loud everyday sounds, both at home and at work, can pose a risk to your hearing health, so it's a good idea to invest in hearing protection if you expect to be exposed to loud noise. Avoiding loud sounds and reducing exposure can be beneficial for your longterm hearing health.

Hearing loss

Ryan Potter, hearing care specialist in formal attire with a light green background.
Dr. Ryan Potter

About Ryan Potter, Au.D.
Ryan Potter, Au.D., has been a hearing care provider for over 18 years. He is Senior Director of Learning and Development for HearingLife, leading the continuous growth and education of our hearing health care providers. He also leads the training of new generations of hearing health care providers through our Apprentice and Extern Programs. Click here to read his complete bio and learn more about his education and background.

General_Last_Reviewed 2024-03-11