Understanding sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss, or SNHL, is a form of hearing loss resulting from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Generally caused by the loss of tiny hair cells in the inner ear, sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of permanent hearing loss.

While it may not be a life-threatening condition, those living with it can experience both physical and psychological effects. From dizziness and tinnitus to withdrawal from social activities and possible cognitive decline, understanding and recognizing the signs of sensorineural hearing loss can help you better address symptoms and take steps to improve your hearing abilities.

Book an appointment with one of our hearing centers to get your hearing tested for sensorineural hearing loss.

The reasons for sensorineural hearing loss can vary, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role. It may occur in one or both ears depending on the cause.

This type of hearing loss is linked to a problem in the inner ear, which can result from a variety of factors. For instance, the hair cells in the ear may not function properly due to disease or damage. Changes in the ear that occur with age, as well as exposure to loud noises, can also affect the inner ear and lead to sensorineural hearing loss.

Aside from these common causes, there are other factors that can contribute to this type of hearing loss. These include head injuries, autoimmune diseases, the presence of a benign tumor, Ménière's disease, medications that are toxic to the ear, and malformations of the inner ear.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), there are some tell-tale signs you can look out for. These include:

• Trouble hearing with background noise present, such as at a restaurant or party, passing by roadworks, or music playing
  
  
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) 
  
  
• Muffled hearing, feeling of fullness in the ear, or the impression that people are mumbling when talking to you
  
  
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially high-pitched noises, such as birds chirping, children speaking or a microwave beeping
  
  
• Dizziness and balance issues

Symptoms of SNHL can occur in one ear (unilateral), both ears (bilateral) or can occur in both ears but be worse in one (asymmetrical). If you believe you’re experiencing sensorineural hearing loss, a comprehensive hearing screening can establish the extent of your hearing loss and help you find the treatment path that's right for you. Our online hearing screening is a great first step in assessing your current hearing abilities.

An audiogram for sensorineural hearing loss generally shows a pattern of hearing loss for high and low frequencies, and, in many cases, affects one ear more than the other. Depending on the cause of the hearing loss, the degree and configuration can vary. You may also see a sloping pattern, in which the hearing loss is more prominent in higher frequencies and improves towards the lower ones. 

Bone conduction and air threshold tests can also be conducted. If both of these screenings are the same, there would be no indication of sound being blocked from the outer or middle ear and would point to a sensorineural hearing loss. 

Audiograms can help you better understand the nature and severity of your hearing loss, making them a great tool for establishing proper treatment methods. The audiogram below is an example of what sensorineural hearing loss could look like. The red line with the O shows the right ear and the blue one with the X shows the left ear.

When it comes to protecting your hearing, there are two key steps you can take to lower your risk of sensorineural hearing loss. 

• Reduce exposure to loud noise 
  Whether it's attending a concert, working in a noisy factory, or even mowing the lawn, loud noise can damage the delicate hair cells in your inner ear, leading to hearing loss. So, it's a good idea to use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones in loud environments.
  
  
• Avoid ototoxic medications
  Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and cancer drugs, can be toxic to the inner ear. It's important to talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking and, if possible, find alternatives that won't harm your hearing.

Treating sensorineural hearing loss can be a little tricky, as it’s caused by damage to the the inner ear and generally permanent. However, there are several options available to help you manage your hearing loss and improve your quality of life.

Hearing aids can help amplify sounds, making it easier for you to hear. There are different types of hearing aids available, such as in-the-ear and behind-the-ear models, and your Hearing Care Professional can help you choose the best one for your needs.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent further damage to your hearing and improve your overall health. Since sensorineural hearing loss can progess over time, it’s also important to get your hearing tested regularly. This will help you monitor your hearing abilities and adjust treatment accordingly.

While sensorineural hearing loss most often occurs over time, in rare cases, it can also come on suddenly. This is referred to as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and, to increase chances of restored hearing, should be looked at immediately.

SSNHL tends to occur in your 50s or 60s, but can happen at any age. If caught early, it can generally be treated. It may start with a loud pop in the ear or you may feel like your ears are clogged. Your hearing will gradually decline within a matter of hours and the window for successful treatment usually falls between 10 to 14 days. If you believe you may be experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss, contact your Hearing Care Professional immediately.