Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the structures of the inner ear or auditory nerve and is one of the main causes of hearing loss in adults. According to many doctors, exposure to loud sounds, genetic factors or aging are the main causes of sensorineural hearing loss. Of course, this type of hearing loss can be acquired or congenital.. href="https://gcorp.cc/">GCORP LLC with Join us to introduce other causes, symptoms and treatment methods of this type of hearing loss.

What is sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss, abbreviated as SNHL, is one of the most common types of hearing loss caused by damage to the hair cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss can occur suddenly due to exposure to very loud sounds, or it can develop gradually as part of the aging process. Sensorineural hearing loss can be congenital and a person may be born with it. be.

People with SNHL usually cannot hear soft sounds or loud sounds.... The cause of this problem is damage to the tiny receptors in the inner ear called hair cells.. These cells are responsible for converting sound waves into signals that your brain interprets as sound.. Hair cells cannot repair themselves, which is why SNHL hearing loss in most cases becomes a permanent hearing loss problem.. Sorry.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is caused by problems with inner ear structures or the auditory nerve....It accounts for more than 90% of hearing loss in adults. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is caused by problems with the structure of the inner ear or auditory nerve. This disease accounts for more than 90% of hearing loss cases in adults.

Learn more: What is an ear mass?... Its cause, symptoms, complications and treatment solutions

The role of ear nerve in hearing

The cochlear nerve or auditory nerve is responsible for transmitting sound signals from the inner ear to the brain.... This nerve helps the body hear and balance.... If the cochlear nerve or related sensory cells are weakened, the sound information is not processed properly and the person has sensorineural hearing loss.... So when we talk about "nerve loss".. SNHL hearing loss... we do.

Is it possible to return the ear nerve?

The return of the ear nerve depends on the type, severity and duration of the damage.... If the damage is minor, in some cases drug treatment and physiotherapy can be used as methods to treat the weakness of the ear nerve and improve the function of the ear nerve to some extent... But if the damage is permanent, such as a complete cut of the auditory nerve or the destruction of sensory nerve cells, it is not possible to restore the normal function of the ear nerve.... In such cases, alternative methods such as cochlear implants or hearing aids Advanced is used.... In general, it can be said that complete recovery and treatment of ear nerve damage is not possible depending on medical conditions.. Interventions and rehabilitation.

Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss

Unlike temporary problems such as tinnitus after a flight, which usually go away on their own, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and requires specialist investigation. In case of sensorineural hearing loss, the communication between the ear nerve and the brain is disrupted. For this reason, the person experiences the following symptoms:

• Hearing low sounds is better than low sounds
• Slurring other people's voices (They can hear voices, but not understand speech.)
• Difficulty hearing sounds in crowded environments
• Difficulty hearing low-frequency sounds such as children's and women's voices
• hearing other people's voices in a whisper
• hearing muffled sounds
• Difficulty hearing sounds with noise or background
• Hearing buzzing or ringing in the ears

The symptoms of loss of the ear nerve are very similar to the symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss, with the difference that the weakening of the ear nerve sometimes leads to dizziness or imbalance... If you see the above symptoms, be sure to see an otolaryngologist for a detailed examination.

The relationship between weakening of the ear nerve and tinnitus

When the auditory nerve or the sensory cells of the cochlea weaken, the transmission of sound to the brain is disturbed.. This damage can be the cause of tinnitus or ringing in the ears.. Doctors believe that these two disorders usually occur at the same time and indicate damage to the sensory or nerve part of the auditory system.>

"Sensore-neural hearing loss, especially the age-related type, is one of the most common types of hearing loss in adults....it often develops between the ages of 50 and 70."

Sensorineural hearing loss, especially the age-related type, is one of the most common types of hearing loss in adults... This type often occurs between the ages of 50 and 70.

Learn more: The impact of hearing loss on speech and language

The cause of sensorineural hearing loss

SNHL hearing loss occurs when the tiny hair cells inside the cochlea or the vestibular-cochlear nerve are damaged or destroyed... Of course, this type of hearing loss can be congenital in a baby.... Some people are born with SNHL due to lack of oxygen or other fetal complications... Other factors that can cause sensorineural hearing loss include:

• Genetic disorders
• Increasing age and old age
• Viral infections such as measles and mumps
Benign tumors of the ear nerve
• Exposure to loud sounds for a long time
• Meniere's disease
Systemic conditions such as diabetes or meningitis
• Ear stroke
• Severe blow to the head
• Consumption of certain drugs

It is interesting to know that cochlear cell damage not only causes sensorineural hearing loss, but some people develop hyperacusis or hearing loss after long-term exposure to loud noise... To treat hyperacusis, you should see an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Learn more: The link between anemia and hearing loss

What are the types of sensorineural hearing loss?

Types of sensorineural hearing loss are classified into three groups based on the cause of hearing loss and the symptoms a person experiences:

1- Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss

In unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, only one ear suffers from hearing loss, and factors such as tumors, Meniere's disease, or exposure to sudden loud sounds on one side of the ears may be the cause of this disorder.

2- Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss affects both ears and can be caused by genetics, exposure to loud sounds, and ear-related diseases.

3- Asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss

Asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss affects both ears... with the difference that one ear has more severe hearing loss than the other.

Learn more: What is an ear tape or audiogram and what diseases is it suitable for diagnosing?

Sensorineural hearing loss in children

Sensorineural hearing loss in children is one of the most important hearing disorders that can occur in one or both ears and varies from mild to severe. The impact of hearing loss on a child's speech and language should not be underestimated.. It can be corrected with surgery, but hearing aids and speech therapy should be used to treat other hearing problems such as damage to hair cells or hearing loss..

The main cause of hearing loss in children

Sensorineural hearing loss in children can be acquired or congenital. Some babies inherit this type of hearing loss in the mother's womb... Also, mother's infection with rubella, syphilis, cytomegalovirus and herpes and their transfer to the fetus can be effective in the occurrence of SNHL..

Other factors such as the fetus suffering from the syndrome, low birth weight, or the use of forceps and pressure on the baby's brain and ears during natural delivery, can be effective in the occurrence of sensorineural hearing loss in a child. After birth and during development, if the child is exposed to very loud sounds, infections, trauma and side effects such as hearing disorders in adulthood

In the table below, you will learn about the most common causes of hearing loss in children:

Learn more: What is ear stroke or sudden deafness?... Its cause, symptoms and treatment solutions

Why should a child take a hearing test?

Hearing plays an important role in the development of children's speech, language, and cognitive skills.... If sensorineural hearing loss or any other type of hearing disorder is not diagnosed early, the child may have difficulty learning to speak and communicate with others.... If the newborn hearing screening test shows that the child's screening test is performed continuously after the hearing test, even if the hearing test is performed continuously after the hearing test is performed.. Hearing problems such as Below, the screening should be repeated giving:

• The child does not react to normal sounds.
• Frequently gets ear infections.
• A child at a normal age does not understand words and does not speak.

How to diagnose sensorineural hearing loss

For diagnosis, you should see an ear, nose and throat specialist. The doctor first asks the patient about symptoms such as tinnitus, dizziness, history of exposure to loud sounds or taking certain medications.. To learn more about audiometry, you can read the related article at GCORP LLC.

In general, specialized examinations to measure the hearing level include the following:

• Otoscopy: is performed to determine the degree of inflammation, mass or fluid accumulation in the ear and damage to the ear and tympanic membrane.
• Audiometry: The level of hearing is checked at frequencies with different intensities. Based on the pattern of hearing loss, the doctor determines whether the problem is in the nerve and cochlea or the middle ear.
• Speech audiometry: The patient's word comprehension is tested by recording the quietest speech the patient can repeat.
• Weber test: In this test, the doctor hits the middle of the person's forehead with a device called a tuning fork (with 512 Hz vibration). If the sound is loud in the healthy ear, it is sensorineural hearing loss.
• Rhine's test:In this method, the doctor first places the tuning fork on the mastoid bone behind the ear and the patient informs the doctor when the sound stops... Then the doctor spreads the tuning fork in front of the ear canal... The patient has to determine the time when the sound stops again... People with sensorineural hearing loss get better when the tuning fork sounds in front of the ear canal.
• Tympanometry: The doctor examines the function of the eardrum and its ability to respond to sounds.
• Additional tests: The doctor may need a cranial nerve examination, imaging tests such as MRI and CT scan, or more specialized tests such as an audiogram, acoustic reflex test, and brainstem response (ABR) test.

Methods for treating sensorineural hearing loss

Currently, there is no definitive treatment for sensorineural hearing loss, because this problem is caused by permanent damage to the hair cells of the cochlea and the auditory nerve.... However, there are various methods that can improve the quality of hearing and a person's life.... These methods are divided into 2 categories with and without hearing aids.

1- Treatment of sensorineural hearing loss with hearing aids

Using hearing aids is the most common method of treating this type of hearing loss.. Types of effective hearing aids include the following:

• Analog hearing aid: is the oldest type of hearing aid... This type of hearing aid processes audio signals electrically and after amplification, returns them as an audio signal.
• Smart hearing aid: It is a type of digital hearing aid and can distinguish between original and disturbing sounds.
• Semi-digital hearing aid: is programmable.
• Digital hearing aid: has 3 receiver parts, processing circuit and microphone (speaker).
• Wireless hearing aid:It is a very advanced and wireless hearing aid.... This hearing aid has strong sound processing and clear and excellent sound, and it is produced in small and completely invisible sizes.

2- Treatment of sensorineural hearing loss without hearing aids

Methods of treatment and management of sensorineural hearing loss without hearing aids vary depending on severity and cause. The best treatment options include the following:

Learn more: Ear suction; Application, performance, advantages and disadvantages

Stem cells

In this method, the possibility of repairing damaged cells or growing a new part of a person's hair cells is checked, and the damaged hair cells are regenerated using stem cells.

Surgery

When the severity of hearing loss in both ears is severe, the doctor suggests the option of cochlear implant... Cochlear implant prosthesis is an electronic device that is surgically placed in your inner ear and creates a new path for sounds to reach the brain.

Brain stem hearing implant

This method is used when the auditory nerve is completely destroyed in cases such as tumors or congenital malformations.... In such cases, cochlear implants do not work.. For this reason, the surgeon places electrodes directly on the brain stem so that sound signals are transmitted to the brain.

Hearing rehabilitation and speech therapy

After using a hearing aid or cochlear implant surgery, the brain must learn to interpret sounds. That's why listening exercises, speech therapy, and communication skills training are essential.. In children, these trainings are more important, because they affect the development of language and speech.

Drug therapy

When SNHL hearing loss is caused by inflammation, your doctor may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and increase the chance of hearing recovery.

Can sensorineural hearing loss be prevented?

To a large extent, sensorineural hearing loss can be prevented. The most important thing is not to be exposed to sounds above 80 decibels. Other important points include the following:

• Set the headphone and phone volume below 60%.
• Use earplugs in noisy places.
• Before starting a new drug, consult your doctor about its side effects.
• Do regular hearing tests.

It should be noted that researchers have investigated the relationship between anemia and hearing loss and have come to the conclusion that anemia can increase the risk of hearing loss... because anemia means a low number of red blood cells and causes a decrease in oxygen supply to hearing cells and permanent damage... Therefore, to prevent hearing loss, make sure of your health by performing periodical tests..

Doctor

Sensorineural hearing loss or SNHL is one of the most common hearing disorders caused by damage to the hair cells inside the cochlea or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss, which is often permanent, can be accompanied by symptoms such as the vagueness of other people's voices, not hearing sound in a crowded environment, difficulty hearing the following sounds, difficulty hearing sounds under the ear, hearing... Early detection of SNHL hearing loss and choosing the appropriate treatment method play a role It is important in improving the patient's quality of life.

In this article from GCORP LLC magazine, we introduced you to the causes, symptoms, types and treatment methods of sensorineural hearing loss.... If you have more questions about this, you can refer to the GCORP LLC website and use the possibility of consulting an otolaryngologist. Telephone, text and video consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: clevelandclinic | Health line ncbi