Sensorineural Hearing Loss

There are 3 types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss, accounting for an estimated 90% of hearing loss people experience today. It occurs in the inner ear whereas conductive hearing loss occurs in the outer or middle ear and is often temporary. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is a permanent medical condition, the third most common health issue that people live with today. Though there are no cures for this type of hearing loss, there are effective treatment options that transform hearing health. To learn more about sensorineural hearing loss visit us in Beverly Hills, CA,

Causes

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear or the nerve pathways leading to the brain. There are several factors that can cause cause this damage, common causes include the following:

Other causes include viral infections, tumors in the ear, and inner ear disorders. These factors can irreparably damage the auditory system, producing chronic hearing loss.

Symptoms

Sensorineural hearing loss typically impacts both ears and results in a range of symptoms that strains communication. Common symptoms include the following:

  • Tinnitus: a buzzing or ringing like noise in one or both ears.
  • Soft sounds may seem too quiet and loud sounds are too loud for comfort.
  • Sounds are slurred or distorted.
  • Needing others to repeat themselves or speak louder.
  • Lip reading to help identify individual words.
  • Missing words or parts of a conversation, pretending to hear.
  • Struggling to understand speech and keep up during conversations.
  • Increasing the volume on electronic devices like the TV or phone.
  • Feeling extra tired after conversations and social interactions .

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of hearing loss in each ear. This makes it tough to follow and engage in conversations, straining communication. Untreated symptoms often lead to social withdrawal and can impact relationships, social life, as well as health.

Treatment

Most often, sensorineural hearing loss is treated with hearing aids. These are electronic devices that are prescribed by a hearing healthcare specialist. Hearing aids help absorb and process speech and sound which provides the ears and brain with sifngitntant support. This alleviates hearing loss symptoms and increases hearing capacities, supporting people in everyday environments.

The first step towards treating hearing loss is scheduling an appointment for a hearing test. Hearing tests involve a painless and noninvasive process that measures hearing abilities in both ears. Once your hearing needs are established, your hearing healthcare provider is able to recommend solutions to best meet your hearing needs. Hearing aids have experienced significant innovation over recent years. There is an array of options, styles, and features that are designed to create optimal hearing experience. Your hearing healthcare provider will help you naicate your options, ensuring you select the device that meets your lifestyle and hearing needs. Treating hearing loss transforms hearing health and wellness.

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