Understanding Sensorineural Hearing Loss

What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Treat It

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when minuscule parts of the inner ear or the nerve pathways that carry sound signals to the brain become damaged. The damage then affects how accurately and clearly you hear. It is the most prevalent type of permanent hearing loss that affects approximately 28 million individuals in the U.S. Some individuals are affected in both ears, while others only have damage in one ear. If untreated, it can worsen over time.

People with sensorineural hearing loss may find that sounds are muffled, or find it difficult to focus on a single person or sound if there is a lot of background noise. The difficulties can make speech comprehension difficult. Even though it is not reversible, various treatments can be very helpful in allowing you to hear and engage with the world around you.

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The Most Prevalent Type of Permanent Hearing Loss

What Causes Sensorineural Loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss, which usually occurs gradually, is the most common. It may go unnoticed at times. One of the biggest contributors is repeated loud sounds such as live concerts, machinery, or even headphones with the volume turned up high. Over time, loud sounds can cause damage to the tiny hair cells in your inner ear, making it difficult for your brain to process sounds.

Another major cause is normal aging. As we age, our hearing begins to decline. This occurrence is known as presbycusis. Some medications, like some cancer and/or infection drugs, may also affect hearing. You might see warnings about some medicines being ototoxic, which means they injure the hearing. Various health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure, may limit blood flow to the inner ear, also increasing the chance of hearing loss. In summary, the main causes include:

Long-term exposure to loud sounds (occupation, music, equipment)

Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)

Some hearing-damaging drugs (ototoxic drugs)

Health conditions: diabetes, cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure

Treatment Options for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Here's how you can improve your hearing:

Hearing Aids

Sensorineural hearing loss doesn’t have a true medical or surgical cure, but your hearing loss can be improved by utilizing hearing aids. Hearing aids are small electronic devices custom-fitted to your ears and your hearing loss.

Improved Sound & Speech

Hearing aids can amplify sound and reduce background noise so you can better understand speech, even while in a noisy environment. Hearing aids have changed from the hearing devices of the past.

Modern Features

Today’s hearing aids can include features like Bluetooth streaming, noise cancellation, and smartphone control. Even your high-frequency hearing loss, which once was one of the most difficult to treat, can now be treated with one of the many options available.

Cochlear Implants

For severe or profound hearing loss, audiologists may recommend a cochlear implant. This is also a hearing amplifier that bypasses the damaged inner ear parts and sends the electronic sound signals to the hearing nerve.

Protect Your Ears and Your Health

How to Prevent Sensorineural Hearing Loss

While not all hearing loss is preventable, you can take proactive steps to protect your hearing throughout your life. The most important thing is to avoid or limit exposure to loud noise. If you frequently work in loud environments, attend multiple loud events, or use power tools, ensure you wear hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs.

Your overall health can also play a significant role in determining your risk. Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, will all support improved blood flow to the ears. This will help prevent damage and keep your hearing stronger for a longer period. Avoiding things like smoking and limiting alcohol can further help protect your hearing.

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Hear Better, Live Better

Living with hearing loss does not mean you have to miss out on your life. With the right treatment plan, possibly hearing aids, you can stay connected to the people and world around you. Talk to the hearing experts at Denver Audiology to schedule today.

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