Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss Always Permanent?

While many people in the United States are aware that hearing loss exists, not many know the condition’s specifics. There are three types of hearing loss: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of hearing loss. It occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or to the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. SNHL can be caused by many things, including disease, aging, trauma, and exposure to loud noise.

People with SNHL often have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds or cannot hear soft sounds at all. In some cases, SNHL can be improved with medical treatment or surgery, but in most cases, it is permanent.

Sensorineural Loss Causes

Sensorineural loss caused by aging (called presbycusis) comes on gradually and is generally permanent, but it can be mitigated with devices.  NOTE: Please contact a medical provider immediately when a sensorineural loss occurs in less than three days, as this may indicate a serious medical condition not related to aging. 

If you have developed hearing loss, it is crucial to take action. Not combating hearing loss can profoundly affect your overall quality of life. It is recommended that you see a doctor immediately.

Hearing Loss Symptoms

While hearing loss can often be challenging to spot, a few key symptoms can help you judge whether or not you may suffer from this affliction.

You may suffer from Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) if you notice the following:

• Difficulty hearing voices in places with background noises, such as parties or outdoor events
• Difficulty understanding voices, specifically children’s and female voices
• Difficulty understanding the TV or radio and often find yourselves turning it up past its usual volume 
• Soft noises that you would usually hear suddenly disappear (such as the clicking of a clock or the chirping of birds) 

There are varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss and also different types. You can have a sensorineural hearing loss in just one ear (unilateral hearing loss), or you can have it in both ears (bilateral hearing loss).

It can also occur for different types of noise: you can have trouble hearing high-pitched noises, low-pitched noises, or both.

Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss Permanent?

Unfortunately, sensorineural hearing loss is a permanent condition. This is because the hair cell in the inner ear cannot be repaired or replaced. The hearing will not recover by itself: you need to take action to get your hearing and life back on track. 

Without treatments, this type of hearing loss can worsen as time goes on. Specifically, age-related sensorineural hearing loss can result in the afflicted losing more and more hearing as they age.

Other types of SNHL are easier to predict and treat. Whatever kind of hearing loss you might have, every case is different. Only a professional can help you with your case of hearing loss and can help you make it more manageable.

While you can do things to make hearing more manageable, such as using hearing aids, the hearing loss that you have lost is gone forever.

What Can You Do?

In most cases, this condition cannot be cured. But, there are many things you can do to get back on track to healthy hearing. For example, the most common treatments are hearing aids or cochlear implants. These are usually successful, with many users stating that their hearing levels have returned to normal or close to normal.

With early diagnosis and treatment, people with SNHL can still lead active and fulfilling lives.

Whatever the cause or intended cure, it is crucial that you do not go through this process alone. It is imperative to make sure that you have a dedicated professional in your corner guiding you to make the best decision to decide your hearing future. Having an audiologist in your corner can make a substantial difference in aiding the help for your condition.

If you live in the Las Vegas area, visit Hearing Associates of Las Vegas today to have a hearing evaluation. While you might feel isolated and scared with your condition, many people have gone through the same thing. Taking action is the first and most crucial step toward healthy hearing!

Having a doctor guide you through this process can remove some of the fear and replace it with confidence and understanding. Come into our office or visit our website today to learn more about your condition and finally take the necessary steps toward healthy hearing.