Sensorineural Hearing Loss occurs in the inner ear within the Cochlea and/or the hearing (VIII/8th) nerve. If the hair cells within the cochlea become damaged, then we lose the ability to hear at soft and normal sound levels. And in many cases, we also lose the ability to distinguish sounds resulting in difficulty understanding speech.
- Common causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss include but are not limited to:
- The Natural Aging Process
- Genetics
- Noise Exposure
- Medications (certain drugs can be toxic to the inner ear)
- Birth Defects
- Certain virus’ and infections
Over 90% of all hearing loss is Sensorineural and cannot be treated through medication or surgery. However, in most cases, individuals with Sensorineural Hearing Loss can be helped significantly through the use of amplification systems (hearing aids and/or assistive listening devices). A MIXED hearing loss involves having both of the described types of hearing loss (Conductive and Sensorineural).