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Sensorineural hearing loss

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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

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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:

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1. Difficulty following group conversations (especially when background noise is present)
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2. Trouble understanding speech in noisy surroundings (e.g. restaurants)
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3. Difficulty understanding phone conversations
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4. Sounds seem unclear or people sound like they are mumbling
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5. Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
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6. Ringing or buzzing in the ears (called tinnitus)
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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.

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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.

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Modern hearing aids for those with hearing loss

Oticon Zeal™

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Oticon Opn™

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The open sound system in Oticon Opn™ hearing aid gives the user the opportunity to follow conversations with multiple speakers. Using BrainHearing™ technology, it supports the brain's natural process for interpreting and understanding sounds.

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Oticon Own SI™

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Oticon Intent™

Oticon's next-generation hearing solution
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Oticon Siya

The ability to focus on what you hear

The Oticon Siya hearing aids are equipped with a powerful chip that processes sound 50 times faster than the previous generation.

  • Provides effective noise reduction

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  • Available in the discreet IIC style

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Oticon Jet PX™

Oticon Jet PX gives you quality sound in an easy-to-use device. And with five different colors, you can choose the one that best matches your hair or skin:

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Oticon Zircon

Life-changing technology designed for celebration

It’s time to start socializing and celebrating a life filled with sound. Oticon Zircon delivers 360° speech and clear sound from all directions, even when in noisy environments, so you can focus on the sounds you love.

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Dr. Ryan Potter

About Ryan Potter, Au.D.
Ryan Potter, Au.D., has been a hearing care provider for over 18 years. He is Vice President of Audiology 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.

Last reviewed 2025-03-11

Sources

1. https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/50276-Common-causes-of-sensorineural-hearing-loss
2. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006987
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003291.htm

Relevant links

  1. Home
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  4. Sensorineural