BEWARE OF SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS AND HOW TO SPOT THEM

What is sensorineural hearing loss?

When an audiologist tells you that you have sensorineural hearing loss, do you know what that means? It is a sophisticated medical term with varying degrees of severity. Sensorineural hearing loss varies from person to person.

In short, sensorineural hearing loss or SNL is a hearing loss caused by damage to the cochlea or other inner ear structures. Most hearing loss is SNL, and 90% of hearing loss is attributable to sensorineural causes.

The problem with sensorineural hearing loss is that it is almost always permanent, unlike conductive hearing loss, which is usually temporary. Conductive hearing loss can be treated with surgical intervention or medication, while SNL can only be assisted with hearing aids or cochlear implants.

 

What causes sensorineural hearing loss?

A number of things can cause SNL. sometimes it cannot be explained. There is usually an obvious cause. Some of the causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:

 

Genetics

Genetic hearing loss is very common. So far, scientists have identified more than 40 genes that are known to cause sensorineural hearing loss. A number of medical conditions can cause hearing loss. There are approximately 300 syndromes that can cause hearing loss. Many of these syndromes are thought to be genetically linked. Some of the syndromes that commonly cause hearing loss are Stickler syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome and Usher syndrome.

All types of genetic mutations are associated with hearing loss, such as recessive genes, dominant genes, X-linked genes and mitochondrial mutations. Any one of these gene types can affect the structure of the inner ear. A common form of recessive congenital hearing loss is connexin 26 deafness.

 

Congenital

Congenital hearing loss is a hearing loss that is present at birth. It can be the result of infections such as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus. Or it may come from premature birth, lack of oxygen, or simply genetics.

 

Presbycusis

The term “presbycusis” refers to age-related hearing loss, which affects us all at some point. However, age-related hearing loss can occur as early as age 18 and is more common in men than women. Age-related deafness usually affects higher frequencies.

 

Noise

Some forms of sensorineural hearing loss are caused by noise, such as exposure to rock concerts or industrial settings. Noise-induced hearing loss is usually accompanied by tinnitus, an annoying ringing or whistling sound in the ears.

 

Signs of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

If you have any concerns about your hearing, consult your audiologist or primary care physician. Here are some signs of SNL.

●Difficulty hearing through background noise
●Difficulty hearing high pitched sounds
●A low sensation when trying to listen
●Ringing in the ears
●Dizziness and balance problems

 

Spieth Hearing Solutions for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

If you need solutions for hearing-related problems, then you’ve come to the right place. Check out the different types of Spieth hearing solutions that can help you address sensorineural hearing loss.

 

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aids are available in a variety of sizes and colors. They consist of a rubber dome, a receiver cord, and the hearing aid itself. The dome sits in your ear canal and is connected to the hearing aid by a receiver cord. The hearing aid is then placed over the ear so that it sits behind the ear. View Spieth BTE Hearing Aids

 

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

The RIC hearing aid is similar to the BTE hearing aid, except that the dome also functions as a speaker. Therefore, the speaker is located in the ear canal. They are not suitable for severe hearing loss, but they are more discreet if you have mild or moderate hearing loss. Check out Spieth RIC hearing aids.

 

Further Reading:

SUMMARY OF COMMON AUDIOLOGY TERMS EXPLAINED

THE WAY TO UNBLOCK THE EARS

THE EXPERIENCE OF WEARING A HEARING AID FOR THE FIRST TIME

WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF HEARING AIDS?

WHICH HEARING AID IS BEST FOR YOU?

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