Human ears have three main parts - the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Damage to any part of the ear may result in different types of hearing loss. Two of the most common types of hearing loss are sensorineural and conductive.

Sensorineural hearing loss involves hearing loss due to problems or damage to the inner ear. While the condition is not life-threatening, it can impede your ability to hear and communicate effectively. Because doctors cannot completely cure sensorineural hearing loss, it is essential to explore your treatment options as soon as possible after your diagnosis to help overcome communication and speech barriers. We are here to help. Let us take a closer look at some of the several causes of sensorineural hearing loss.

Age-Related Sensorineural Hearing Loss

As we become older, deterioration within the inner ear often occurs. It is one of the leading causes of age-related sensorineural hearing loss in older adults. We also lose hair cells in the inner ear as we age. Because the hair cell loss is permanent, so is the hearing loss that is a direct result.

Because it usually occurs in both ears, age-related sensorineural hearing often takes longer for you to notice. Some of the signs include:

• Difficulty hearing others speak when background noise is present
• Constant ringing sound in the ears
• Difficulty distinguishing high-pitched sounds

If you have any of these signs, explore your hearing treatment options promptly.

Noise Exposure

Another common cause of sensorineural hearing loss is noise exposure. Sensorineural hearing loss can sometimes happen after just hearing one loud noise, but most often occurs with frequent exposure to sounds over 85 decibels. Sensorineural hearing loss might be the reason why you have to shout after being exposed to loud noise or noises. To protect yourself from loud sounds, turn down the music from your headphones. If you work in a noisy workspace such as construction, it will help to wear a hearing protection device while on the job.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss In Babies

Did you know that sensorineural hearing loss can also occur in babies? One of the most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss in babies is genetics. Passing it from a parent to a child at conception is more common than you may think. Studies show that 1-3 babies, out of 1000 births, are diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss due to the genes of at least one of their parents. Thankfully, with the assistance of modern medicine and improved technology, successful treatment prevents potential speech and communication barriers when sensorineural hearing loss happens through genetics. If your child or loved one's child is affected by this type of hearing loss, explore your treatment options early.

While it is not uncommon for genetics to cause sensorineural hearing loss in newborns, it is not the only cause. Other causes of sensorineural hearing loss in babies include, but is not limited to:

• A premature birth
• Maternal diabetes
• Lack of oxygen at birth

Additionally, sensorineural hearing loss may also occur in babies due to infections and fever at birth.

Contact Us Today

While there may be no cure for this medical condition, treatment options are available. The most common type of option includes hearing aids. To explore your options, contact the specialists at Beltone Dallas Fort Worth for help for more information.

References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/age-related-hearing-loss#symptoms
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52510-Presbycusis-understanding-age-related-hearing-loss
https://www.healthline.com/health/sensorineural-hearing-loss#vs-conductive-hearing-loss
https://www.babyhearing.org/hearing-loss