Sensorineural

Sensorineural refers to a type of hearing loss or deafness that is caused by abnormalities in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent and can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, and genetic conditions.

Causes

Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Aging: As people age, the structures of the inner ear can deteriorate, leading to hearing loss.
• Noise exposure: Exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
• Medications: Certain medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss.
• Genetic conditions: Some genetic conditions can cause sensorineural hearing loss. These include Usher syndrome, Alport syndrome, and Pendred syndrome.

Symptoms

The symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They can include:

• Difficulty hearing quiet sounds
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
• Dizziness or balance problems

Treatment

While sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent, there are treatments available that can help manage the condition. These include:

• Hearing aids: These devices amplify sounds, making it easier for people with hearing loss to hear.
• Cochlear implants: These devices bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
• Assistive listening devices: These devices can help people with hearing loss hear better in specific situations, such as on the telephone or in a classroom.

See also

• Conductive hearing loss
• Mixed hearing loss
• Presbycusis
• Tinnitus

Sensorineural Resources
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