Types of hearing loss: Sensorineural

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss. It is also the most insidious as it often occurs very gradually, leading people to have a hard time identifying it until it becomes a significant problem. However, you can identify it early if you know what signs to look for.

Early signs of sensorineural hearing loss:

1. Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments.

2. Asking people to repeat themselves often.

3. People sound like they are mumbling or talking too fast.

4. Others complain that you have the TV or radio turned up too loud.

5. Tinnitus (this can indicate other conditions, but can also precede hearing loss, and is often an early warning sign of inner ear damage.)

Now that we know what to watch for, let's have a look at some of the most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss:

1. Noise exposure: This is one of the most common and most preventable causes of hearing loss. Be sure to always wear hearing protection around loud noise, whether it's related to work or recreation.

2. Ageing: As we age the hair cells in the organ of the inner ear, the cochlea, gradually deteriorate from wear and tear and as mentioned above, noise.

3. Viruses and other conditions of the inner ear: There are a number of viruses and diseases that can affect the cochlea. One of the most common is Meniere's Disease, which causes hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. Viruses often cause sudden hearing loss. So if you wake up one day with no hearing in one or both ears, see your doctor right away, because early treatment is key to mitigating the damage from a virus.

4. Medications: Always check to see if hearing loss or tinnitus is a side affect of the medication you are on. Some common drugs that can affect hearing include Aspirin in high doses and chemotherapy drugs.

How can sensorineural hearing loss be treated? Because this type of hearing loss is not reversible, the most effective way to treat it is through the use of hearing aids. These high tech devices have come a long way over the past few years and are more discreet and functional than ever. If you suspect you may have a hearing loss the first step is to book an appointment for an assessment.

For more information please feel free to contact Accurate Hearing at one of our two convenient locations:

Lower Sackville: 902-252-3004

Cole Harbour: 902-406-4327