Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is defined as hearing loss originating from the cochlea (inner ear) or the auditory (hearing) nerve. The cochlea contains thousands of outer and inner hair cells that transduce the mechanical energy of sound into electrical energy and then deliver that electrical energy to the auditory nerve. The hair cells provide information about the frequency and intensity of the sound. The auditory nerve then transmits sound information to the brain, where a variety of complex pathways help us decipher what was actually heard. Therefore, much of hearing as we perceive it is under the control of the brain rather than the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most commonly, SNHL is caused by hair cell damage in the cochlea, but it can also be caused by damage to the auditory nerve. SNHL can have a variety of causes, including aging, exposure to loud noises and a variety of medical causes such as exposure to ototoxic medications. Tinnitus, a phantom auditory perception generated in the brain, is often a response to hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SNHL is evaluated first by comprehensive audiometry. This includes pure tone testing, speech audiometry, acoustic reflexes and tympanogram. Asymmetric hearing loss may be evaluated by MRI scans, especially if associated with new onset balance abnormalities or unilateral tinnitus. These scans are obtained to rule out retrocochlear mass lesions such as acoustic neuromas<\/a> (vestibular schwannomas). Treatment depends on the severity of the hearing loss and whether it affects one or both ears. Amplification with conventional hearing aids or a variety of implantable devices, including implantable hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants may be options for aural rehabilitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SNHL in infants and children may require genetic testing, laboratory tests and temporal bone imaging (CT and\/or MRI) to help diagnose the underlying cause. Sometimes, no cause is identified. Aural rehabilitation (with hearing aids or cochlear implants) in a timely fashion is critical for young children as there is a critical window for maximizing their speech\/language development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Otologist\/Neurotologist specializes in the medical and surgical care of patients with disorders of the ear and lateral skull base. Otology\/Neurotology and Audiology work together to offer complete hearing health solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Choose Us<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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