Sensorineural deafness

Sensorineural deafness is a type of hearing loss that results from damage to the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or the brain. It is the most common type of permanent hearing loss and can be present at birth or acquired later in life.

Causes

Sensorineural deafness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Genetic disorders: Some people are born with sensorineural deafness due to genetic mutations. These can be inherited from parents or occur spontaneously.
• Aging: Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a common cause of sensorineural deafness. It typically begins in middle age and progresses gradually.
• Noise exposure: Long-term exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to sensorineural deafness.
• Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections can cause sensorineural deafness. These include meningitis, measles, mumps, and cytomegalovirus.
• Drugs: Some medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can damage the inner ear and cause sensorineural deafness. These include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and loop diuretics.

Symptoms

The symptoms of sensorineural deafness can vary depending on the severity and cause of the hearing loss. They may include:

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

Diagnosis

Sensorineural deafness is diagnosed through a series of audiological tests, which may include pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and otoacoustic emissions testing. Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scan, may also be used to rule out other causes of hearing loss.

Treatment

While sensorineural deafness is usually permanent, there are treatments available that can help improve hearing and quality of life. These include:

• Hearing aids: These devices amplify sounds, making it easier for people with sensorineural deafness to hear.
• Cochlear implants: These are surgically implanted devices that bypass the damaged part of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
• Assistive listening devices: These include FM systems, infrared systems, and induction loop systems, which can help people with sensorineural deafness hear better in specific situations.

See also

• Conductive hearing loss
• Mixed hearing loss
• Auditory processing disorder