Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common form of permanent hearing impairment. It occurs when the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, or the nerve pathways that transmit sound to the brain, become damaged.
Unlike conductive hearing loss—which is due to problems in the outer or middle ear—sensorineural loss is generally permanent. This condition can result from a range of factors, including age-related degeneration, exposure to loud noises, head injuries, or other health-related issues. Early diagnosis and intervention are key in managing its impact on communication and quality of life.
Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by a variety of conditions, but it is most commonly caused by the natural ageing process, which accounts for around 90% of this type of hearing loss. It affects 1 in 7 over the age of 65. Changes in your hearing as you get older are normal, but if you’re concerned about your hearing, help and support from your local Amplifon clinic is never too far away. We offer a variety of different hearing aid solutions that can help make hearing the things around you just a bit clearer.
In some cases, the condition may affect only one ear—known as unilateral sensorineural hearing loss—often due to specific events or conditions such as acoustic neuroma or idiopathic sudden loss.
Sensorineural hearing loss can affect both ears (bilateral) or just one ear (unilateral):
This form impacts both ears and is most commonly associated with the ageing process, chronic noise exposure, or systemic conditions. Bilateral loss often results in difficulties with sound localisation and understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
Affecting only one ear, unilateral loss can still pose significant challenges. It may lead to issues with sound directionality and can impair communication in complex auditory settings. Causes of unilateral loss include acoustic neuroma, sudden idiopathic events, or localised trauma.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an unexpected, rapid loss of hearing that typically occurs in one ear over the span of hours or even minutes. Although relatively rare, it is considered a medical emergency. Treatment usually involves prompt administration of corticosteroids and other interventions aimed at restoring hearing.
The exact cause often remains unclear, although viral infections, vascular incidents, or autoimmune responses are possible contributors. Immediate medical attention is crucial to maximise the chance of recovery.
Acute sensorineural hearing loss refers to a rapid decline in hearing ability that develops over several days or weeks. While not as instantaneous as SSNHL, this form of hearing loss still demands swift action to prevent further deterioration. As with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, early diagnosis and treatment—often involving medication and rehabilitative measures—are essential. Determining the underlying cause, whether it be infection, trauma, or an adverse drug reaction, is key to effective management.
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An audiogram is a fundamental diagnostic tool that graphically represents an individual’s hearing ability across various frequencies and intensities. In sensorineural hearing loss, the audiogram generally shows:
Understanding the difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning:
This type occurs when sound is impeded in the outer or middle ear due to factors such as ear infections, fluid accumulation, or structural abnormalities. Treatments may include medication or surgery, and in many cases, hearing can be fully restored.
By contrast, sensorineural hearing loss stems from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This form is typically permanent, though its effects can be mitigated through hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other interventions.
The three most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are:
Other causes include head trauma, infections, ototoxic medications, and inner ear diseases.
Yes, hearing aids are one of the most effective treatments for sensorineural hearing loss. They amplify sound to compensate for the loss of hearing sensitivity.
There's no a best type of hearing aid for sensorineural hearing loss, because it depends on the severity of the condition. For mild to moderate SNHL, behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are popular choices. For severe cases, power hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended.
A hearing test (audiometry) performed by an audiologist is the best way to determine whether hearing loss is sensorineural or conductive. Key differences include:
An audiogram and bone conduction test can accurately diagnose the type of hearing loss.
