Sensorineural Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know

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Hearing is one of the five basic human senses and a crucial aspect of daily communication. Without hearing (or problems associated with it), it can be difficult to communicate properly. If you suspect that you are suffering from sensorineural hearing loss, it is important to take a closer look into this medical condition and how you can get proper treatment.

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of condition also known as sudden deafness. This condition is characterized by the sudden loss of hearing ability. In most cases, the hearing loss takes place in one ear only. The process of losing your hearing can take place instantly or within a span of few days. As the condition progresses, the sounds you hear become muffled until it gets very faint.

The functional impairment of your hearing organ can be due to your sound-sensing hair cells or the dysfunctional neural component. Either of these cases can result to sensorineural hearing loss. There are many studies that point to the potential cause of hearing loss (and you will learn more about it later).

This condition affects up to 4,000 people in the United States annually. However, it is pretty common among patients aged 30 to 60. A huge percentage of those who suffer from this condition experience them only in one ear. While this can be treated, about 15% of the documented cases become worse over time. While common, SSHL is a serious medical condition. It is important that you learn as much information as you can about it so you know how to handle it (and who to turn to for help).

Symptoms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

There are several symptoms associated with sensorineural hearing loss. You need to identify the symptoms before you can seek out treatment. This will help you treat the condition before it gets worse.

If you experience any or all of these symptoms, you need to see your doctor right away:

  •         Loss of hearing after exposure to loud popping sound
  •         Muffled conversation sounds
  •         Inability to hear with background noise
  •         Dizzying sensation
  •         Difficulty balancing
  •         Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sound in the ear)
  •         Inability (or difficulty) with hearing high-pitched sounds

Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors. If this condition does not improve (or worsens) after a few days, it is time to make an appointment with the doctor.  

How is it Diagnosed?

A visit to the doctor is a must if you suspect you might have sensorineural hearing loss. The first thing that your doctor will do upon examination is to collect your medical history. A physical exam will also be performed. If you are experiencing any symptoms (such as the ones listed above), or if you are taking any medications, be sure to let them know.

A physical exam will include hearing test. You will be asked to cover one ear to test the hearing ability for each ear. You will also be exposed to sounds at varying volume levels. Another test that your doctor might perform will involve a tool known as tuning fork. This tool is designed to measure the vibrations in the ear. Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will be able to diagnose if there are any damage to your middle ear or eardrum.

Depending on the results of the initial test, your doctor might recommend further tests such as audiometry tests and an MRI scan.

Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Several factors can result to sensorineural hearing loss. But you can break down these factors into five different categories:

  •         Aging – This is the number one cause that doctors look into when evaluating any type of hearing loss problem. It is considered as a progressive hearing loss, which typically affects individuals aged 60 and above.
  •         Exposure to loud noise – Aside from aging, this is the second most common reason for sensorineural hearing loss. The exposure to loud noise can cause damage to the inner ear. Once the inner ear is damaged, it can affect your ability to hear.
  •         Genetic disorder – Any type of genetic condition can affect your basic senses, including your sense of hearing. This could develop early or at the later stages in life.
  •         Congenital hearing loss problem – Any injections or complications during pregnancy or childbirth can also result in hearing loss in newborns.
  •         Medications and drugs – During your physical exam, your doctor will ask about any medications you are taking (if any). The reason for this is that some medications can cause hearing loss as a side effect.

Treatment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

For anyone diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, early treatment is a must. The sooner you can address this medical condition, the higher your chances of fully recovering. This reiterates the importance of seeing your doctor when you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms. People with this type of condition could suffer from reduced quality of life. In some cases, it can even lead to social isolation.

Steroid is a common form of treatment recommended for this type of hearing loss. The use of steroids helps to reduce any swelling or inflammation on the ear, which might have blocked the sound. This type of treatment is recommended for those suffering from hearing loss due to an immune disease. Aside from steroids, your doctor might recommend the intake of antibiotics (if the cause of hearing loss is an infection in the ear).

Aside from these medications, there are no surgical treatments recommended yet for sensorineural hearing loss. The use of hearing aids is a great way to augment your hearing.

Other Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is just one of many conditions affecting your ability to hear. It is important to get proper diagnosis for this condition before you perform any treatment, or take any medications. After all, there are other types of hearing loss that might be similar in symptoms. It pays to know what these other hearing loss conditions are to ensure that you can get the right treatment for them.

Conductive hearing loss is one example. This condition is characterized by the sound’s inability to travel through your outer ear to your middle ear. It does not matter if the sound is soft or hard. For louder sounds, you might be able to hear them but it is muffled. Medication or surgery might be recommended for this type of hearing loss.

There is also a rare condition wherein sensorineural hearing loss happens at the same time you have conductive hearing loss. This is called mixed hearing loss. This is a common problem among those who work in an environment that is exposed to loud noise. You can visit an audiologist to seek treatment for this condition.