Sensorineural Hearing Loss
When sound energy flows into the inner ear, but it is not heard clearly, it may be due to damage inside the ear or the auditory nerves. This is referred to as sensorineural hearing loss, a common type of hearing loss. The most prevalent treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is the use of hearing aids, but the exact treatment depends on the patient’s specific condition. Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT provides personalized treatment plans for patients with sensorineural hearing loss at our medical center in Alpharetta, GA.
Hearing loss is either conductive, where the sound energy is blocked from the inner ear, or sensorineural, a problem within the inner ear/nerves. When conductive hearing loss is ruled out, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) treatments can be considered. Both children and adults can have sensorineural hearing conditions – for children, it is usually congenital issues. For adults, it is usually linked to disease, damage or degenerative issues.
Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
SNHL is generally caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathway to the brain. There are tiny hairs and nerve cells inside the cochlea that send sounds to the brain through the auditory nerve. Damage to the inner ear or nerve pathway can occur suddenly with an injury or infection, or slowly over many years. Some of the common causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Aging
- Exposure to loud noise
- Ear infection
- Ear/head trauma
- Tumors or growths inside the ear
- Diseases that impact the nervous system
Most types of SNHL cannot be reversed, such as degenerative hearing loss with aging or damage from acoustic trauma. However, amplifying sound is effective for improving hearing in many people with SNHL. Hearing aids and other treatments can be beneficial for resolving hearing deficits.
Dr. Zweig has decades of experience assisting her patients with hearing loss. Our hearing loss center offers cutting-edge treatments and surgery for those with SNHL, including the latest options in hearing aids. To schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options for restoring your hearing, contact our clinic in Alpharetta, GA.
