Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the single-most common form of permanent hearing loss, affecting millions globally. It occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Although many people associate SNHL with aging, this type of hearing loss can develop at any stage of life. Knowing more about this condition, what causes it, and what treatment options may be available can help seniors and their loved ones have more informed discussions with their healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs when the inner ear or auditory nerve becomes damaged.
- Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss and can affect one or both ears.
- Potential symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss include trouble hearing quiet sounds, difficulty understanding speech, tinnitus, muffled hearing, dizziness, and balance problems.
- Causes for sensorineural hearing loss vary but may include aging, loud noise exposure, genetics, certain medications, infections, head injuries, and some medical conditions.
- Sensorineural hearing loss management options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity.
What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss, or SNHL, is a type of hearing loss that develops when the delicate hair cells within the cochlea or the auditory (hearing) nerve become damaged. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which affects how sound travels through the outer or middle ear, SNHL affects how sound is converted into electrical signals and transmitted to the brain.
What are the Different Types of Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
The degree of hearing loss with SNHL ranges from slight to profound and can affect one ear or both. In some cases, hearing changes develop gradually over many years, while in others they occur suddenly and require prompt medical evaluation.
The four primary types of SNHL are:
Unilateral SNHL
Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss is a form of SNHL that affects only one ear. People may have difficulty determining where sounds are coming from or hearing conversations in noisy environments.
Bilateral SNHL
Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss affects both ears. It may develop equally in each ear or differ in severity.
Asymmetrical SNHL
Asymmetrical hearing loss occurs when both ears are affected, although one ear usually has significantly worse hearing than the other.
Sudden SNHL
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can occur suddenly and should receive immediate medical evaluation.
What are Potential Signs of Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss may vary depending on the cause and severity. That said, the Cleveland Clinic states that commonly reported signs of SNHL include:
- Muffled hearing
- Some people report a sensation of fullness in one ear
- Difficulty understanding people speaking in person
- Difficulty hearing people on the phone
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
What are Possible Causes and Risk Factors for Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Many different factors can contribute to sensorineural hearing loss, including the following:
Aging (Presbycusis)
Age-related hearing changes become more common as people grow older. However, hearing changes are not inevitable with aging, and the severity varies considerably from person to person.
Loud Noise Exposure
Consistent exposure to loud sounds can damage the hair cells inside the cochlea.
Genetics and Family History
Inherited genetic factors can influence hearing throughout life or increase the likelihood of developing hearing loss.
Certain Medications
Some medications may affect hearing in certain individuals, including some chemotherapy drugs, certain antibiotics, and loop diuretics.
Medical Conditions
Research has associated several health conditions with an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss, including Ménière’s disease, diabetes, and certain autoimmune disorders.
Infections
Some bacterial and viral infections (measles, mumps, meningitis, etc.) may affect the inner ear or auditory nerve, increasing the risk of hearing loss.
Head Trauma
Injuries involving the head or inner ear can damage structures responsible for hearing.
What are the Stages of Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Healthcare providers often classify hearing loss into four categories based on severity:
Slight
People may have difficulty hearing soft speech or conversations in noisy settings.
Moderate
Normal conversation may become harder to understand without raising voices or reducing background noise.
Severe
Most speech and many environmental sounds become difficult to hear without hearing devices or other communication supports.
Profound
Very little sound is detected, even at high volumes.
How is SNHL Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider or hearing specialist typically begins with a medical history and physical examination before recommending hearing tests or imaging when appropriate.
The Cleveland Clinic states that diagnostic evaluations for this type of hearing loss may include:
- Hearing tests (audiometry)
- Bone conduction testing
- Tuning fork tests, including the Rinne and Weber tests
- Tympanometry
- Acoustic reflex testing
- Balance evaluations
- CT scans
- MRI scans
How is SNHL Treated?
Treatment for hearing loss depends on what causes it and how severe it is; not every option is appropriate for every person.
Potential hearing loss management approaches may include:
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids amplify sounds and may improve communication for some individuals with hearing loss.
Cochlear Implants
For some people with more significant hearing loss who meet specific medical criteria, cochlear implants may be considered after evaluation by specialists.
Corticosteroids
Healthcare providers may recommend corticosteroids in certain situations, such as some cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, when medically appropriate.
Assistive Listening Technology
Captioning services, remote microphones, and other types of assistive technology may improve communication and comprehension in certain settings.
Lifestyle and Medical Management
When hearing loss is associated with an underlying medical condition, healthcare providers may recommend management strategies tailored to that condition.
Is It Possible to Prevent SNHL?
Not all cases of sensorineural hearing loss are preventable. However, the Cleveland Clinic lists some strategies that may potentially help lower the risk of hearing damage:
- Wear hearing protection around loud noises.
- Take listening breaks during prolonged noise exposure.
- Discuss potential hearing-related side effects of medications with a healthcare provider.
- Schedule hearing evaluations if you notice changes in your hearing or have ongoing concerns.
Final Thoughts
Sensorineural hearing loss is a common condition. Fortunately, advances in hearing evaluation and management provide a range of options that healthcare providers can tailor to each person’s needs.
Anyone who notices sudden changes in hearing should seek prompt evaluation from a licensed healthcare provider.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss?
While symptoms vary from person to person, common symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss include muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech, trouble hearing quiet sounds, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, and balance problems.
How do you fix sensorineural hearing loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss is generally not reversible. Treatment focuses on managing hearing loss and improving communication based on the underlying cause and severity, and may include hearing aids and other assistive devices.
What is the number one cause of sensorineural hearing loss?
Age-related hearing changes (presbycusis) and long-term exposure to loud noise are among the most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What is the difference between sensorineural hearing loss and hearing loss?
“Hearing loss” includes several different conditions. Sensorineural hearing loss is one specific form of hearing loss resulting from auditory nerve or inner ear damage.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute healthcare advice, express or implied.
