If you or a loved one has been told you have sensorineural hearing loss, you may have questions, and maybe even some concerns. That’s completely normal. Hearing loss affects your ability to communicate and connect with the world around you, so it’s important to understand what’s happening and how to get the help you need.
At Atlantic Hearing Care, our expert audiologists in Swampscott and Peabody, MA, are here to help you every step of the way.
Let’s take a closer look at what sensorineural hearing loss is, what causes it, and how it can be treated.
What Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss, or SNHL, happens when there is damage to the inner ear (specifically the cochlea) or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss reduces your ability to hear soft sounds and makes loud sounds seem muffled or unclear. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which involves problems in the outer or middle ear, SNHL is usually permanent and can’t be corrected by surgery or medication.
This type of hearing loss can affect one or both ears and can range from mild to profound. It is the most common type of hearing loss, especially in adults over 60.
What Causes Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
There are several potential causes of SNHL, including:
- Aging (Presbycusis): As we age, the tiny hair cells in the cochlea that help us hear begin to wear out or die off.
- Noise Exposure: Long-term exposure to loud sounds—from concerts, machinery, or earbuds—can damage the inner ear.
- Genetics: Some people are born with sensorineural hearing loss or inherit it later in life.
- Illness or Infection: Certain viral infections (like measles or mumps), meningitis, or autoimmune diseases can harm hearing.
- Head Trauma: Injury to the head can damage the auditory nerve or inner ear structures.
- Medications: Some chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, or diuretics are known to be ototoxic, meaning they can damage hearing.
- Sudden Hearing Loss: In rare cases, SNHL can occur suddenly due to unknown causes and requires immediate medical attention.
Common Signs of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss often develops gradually, so it can be easy to overlook in the early stages.
Check out sensorineural hearing loss signs below:
- Struggling to hear conversations, especially in noisy places
- Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
- Feeling like others mumble or speak too softly
- Turning up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds like birds or children’s voices
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
If any of these sound familiar, consider having your hearing checked by an audiologist.
Atlantic Hearing Care connects you to expert audiologists in Swampscott, MA, and Peabody, MA.
How Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss Diagnosed?
The first step in understanding your hearing loss is a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
At Atlantic Hearing Care, our caring Peabody, MA audiologists will guide you through a painless and non-invasive test.
This includes listening to various tones and speech to determine your hearing levels across different frequencies.
We’ll also ask about your medical history and lifestyle to understand what may be contributing to your hearing changes or concerns.
Based on the hearing test results, our audiologist will then discuss what type of hearing loss you have and the next steps to take to address it.
We’ll recommend personalized treatment options to suit your unique hearing needs while also considering your budget and lifestyle.
Treatment Options for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
While most cases of sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, don’t fret.
SNHL is very manageable. With an audiologist’s expert care combined with advanced technology and development, you won’t have to worry about sensorineural hearing loss.
Below are the most used treatment approaches:
1. Hearing Aids
Most people with SNHL find hearing aids to be really helpful. Hearing aids not only amplify sounds, improve speech clarity, but also help you engage more fully with your surroundings.
Today’s hearing aids come with Bluetooth, noise reduction, and rechargeability to suit your lifestyle.
2. Cochlear Implants
When hearing aids do not seem to provide the prescribed amplification, cochlear implants are another option. These implants are designed to stimulate the auditory nerve directly to provide a sense of sound.
3. Assistive Listening Devices
In some situations, like watching TV, using the phone, or attending group meetings, assistive technology can offer extra support to make hearing easier and clearer.
Why Seeing an Audiologist Matters
Every ear, every hearing loss is different.
At Atlantic Hearing Care, we believe that each hearing loss or hearing concern needs a personalized solution.
In order for us to provide this, we make sure to listen carefully, provide thorough evaluations, and work closely with our patients to find the best solution.
We’re not just here to fit you with a hearing aid. Our team is here to support your hearing journey long-term.
Schedule an appointment with an expert audiologist in Massachusetts today!
Sensorineural hearing loss can feel overwhelming at first, but you’re not alone. With the right help, you can stay connected to the people and moments that matter most.
If you’re experiencing signs of hearing loss, or just want to get your hearing checked, contact Atlantic Hearing Care. Our caring audiologists in Swampscott or Peabody, MA are ready to help you hear life more clearly.
Call us or schedule your appointment online today!