Sensorineural hearing loss

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

This type of hearing loss implies that you have damaged the tiny hair cells in the inner ear or the nerve that transmits sound to the brain or the brain itself. It is most often caused by the natural aging process or exposure to loud sounds. Read on and learn more about:

Concerned about your hearing? We may be able to help.

sensorineural hearing loss

Inside our inner ears are tiny hair cells that detect sound, and the hearing nerve that transmits it to the brain. Damage to the hair cells by age, sound or disease can result in sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss can be experienced in one ear only or in both ears. 

It is possible to be born with sensorineural loss, but you are more likely to acquire it over time. Age-related hearing loss (also known as presbycusis) is the most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss. The hearing loss can vary in degree from mild to severe or even profound, and will tend to worsen slowly over time, depending on the cause. 

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Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss

Often, hearing loss happens gradually over time. That’s why it's good to know the signs of hearing loss so you know what it might feel like if you experience it.

It can be difficult to identify the symptoms that are specific only to sensorineural hearing loss. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, then it’s likely that you suffer from hearing loss – and most likely, sensorineural hearing loss:

Do you recognize any of these signs?

  1. Difficulty following conversations involving more than two people or when there’s background noise
  2. Trouble understanding verbal information in public, such as on loudspeakers, at restaurants, stores or at work
  3. Difficulty understanding phone conversations
  4. Sounds seem unclear or people sound like they are mumbling
  5. Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
  6. Ringing or buzzing in the ears, called tinnitus, is common with this type of loss

In case you recognize any of the signs above, then you might suffer from hearing loss. You may even be experiencing more than one of these signs, which is normal. 

We encourage you to contact us, if you would like a professional assessment.* Should you have hearing loss, we can also discuss options for you to improve your hearing quality.

Treatment of sensorineural hearing loss

Often, this type of hearing loss can be treated with the help of hearing aids. HearingLife offers a wide variety of hearing aids, so you can choose what fits your lifestyle and type of hearing loss.



Sensorineural hearing loss cannot be treated by medicine or surgery.

The best way to treat sensorineural hearing loss is to book a hearing assessment* at a professional hearing center, learn about your hearing, and receive an introduction to your treatment options, which may include hearing devices. 

We recommend that you address your hearing loss as early as possible, as left untreated, sensorineural hearing loss can have unwanted side effects like isolation and a lower quality of life.

 

Do you have sensorineural hearing loss?

Come for a no-obligation, complimentary consultation today. Our hearing care professionals can assess your hearing* and help ascertain your needs.

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What causes sensorineural hearing loss?

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

  • Aging – age-related hearing loss (also called presbycusis, which is the most common form of sensorineural hearing loss)

  • Exposure to loud sounds, such as a one-time explosion or exposure to loud sound over time

  • Head trauma caused by for example a blow to the head

  • Certain drugs and medications 

  • Genetics or complications during birth and pregnancy 

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. Sometimes, it can go away by itself, or be reversed by medical treatment. If you experience sudden hearing loss, visit your doctor for medical advice.

best hearing aid for sensorineural hearing loss

What is the best hearing aid for sensorineural hearing loss?

The current gold standard in hearing loss treatment is hearing aids that are programmed and fitted for the individual user’s needs. 
The best hearing aid for you might not be the best hearing aid for someone else. Lifestyle factors, connectivity options, price and overall appearance are among the factors to consider when choosing the right solution to treat your sensorineural hearing loss.


Prevent hearing loss before it impacts you or a loved one

If you still have normal hearing, you may be able to prevent hearing loss. Using hearing protection, such as earplugs, molds or certain earmuffs, can help prevent loss of hearing when you know you will be exposed to loud sounds, such as

  • Garden tools like lawn mowers and leaf blowers 

  • Woodworking machinery 

  • Loud appliances

  • Work-related exposure, including factories, construction sites, and even schools

  • Snowmobiles

  • Music

Earplugs can provide your ears protection and should be worn to help avoid the possibility of damage to your hearing. We have options for hearing protection that is molded to your ears and designed for exposure to loud conditions, such as gunfire, construction or loud concerts.

Excessively loud everyday sounds, both at home and at work, can pose a risk to a person’s hearing, so it can be a good idea to invest in hearing protection. Avoiding loud sounds and reducing the amount of time one is exposed to everyday sounds may be helpful as well. 

Read more about hearing loss


Is sensorineural hearing loss a disability?

It can be. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including hearing loss. Over time, the government has clarified what types of disabilities or impairments warrant protection covered by the ADA. Formally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states, "Individuals with hearing impairments can perform successfully on the job and should not be denied opportunities because of stereotypical assumptions about hearing loss."

However, classifying an impairment as a disability depends on the severity of the loss and the need for accommodations. Not all people with sensorineural hearing loss would need accommodations — especially if they are wearing hearing aids that help them listen on par with their peers — but an individual with hearing loss may need adjustments, technical support or other help. 

Some accommodations may include phones, software or electronics that integrate with hearing aids. They may also include providing sign language interpreters, allowing a hearing dog or work area adjustments in compliance with the ADA.

 

Meet Carsten Ahlbom, Senior International Trainercarsten-ahlbom
Carsten Ahlbom is an electronic engineer and has more than 40 years of experience working in the hearing field. He has been part of developing hearing solutions, such as hearing aids, methods for fitting and counseling. He has been teaching audiology at universities in Warsaw, Poland, and Copenhagen, Denmark.

He has traveled to more than 70 countries training audiologists in universities, public and private clinics, in fitting, hearing aids, earmolds, etc.

Ahlbom is one of many professionals who ensure that hearing aids address the needs of people with sensorineural hearing loss.