sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a type of permanent hearing loss that occurs when there is damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve. This damage affects the transmission of sound signals from the inner ear to the brain, resulting in difficulty hearing sounds, particularly soft ones.

Causes and Types of SNHL

SNHL can be caused by various factors, including:

• Inner ear abnormalities
• Genetic variations
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Viral infection from the mother during pregnancy
• Age-related wear and tear on the inner ear

There are two main types of SNHL: sudden and age-related. Sudden SNHL occurs immediately or over a few days, affecting between 1 and 6 out of 5,000 people every year. Age-related SNHL often develops between the ages of 50 and 70.

Symptoms of SNHL

People with SNHL may experience:

• Difficulty hearing soft sounds
• Muffled or unclear sound even at louder volumes
• Soft sounds being hard to hear
• Problems understanding speech, especially in noisy environments

Diagnosis and Treatment

SNHL can be diagnosed by an audiologist through various tests, including hearing assessments and imaging studies. While medicine or surgery cannot restore hearing in most cases of SNHL, there are ways to manage the condition:

• Hearing aids: Can help amplify sound and improve communication
• Implantable devices: Such as cochlear implants, which can bypass damaged hair cells and directly stimulate the auditory nerve
• Assistive listening technology: Devices that can enhance sound quality and make it easier to hear

Prevalence of SNHL

SNHL is the most common type of permanent hearing loss, accounting for over 90% of all cases. It affects millions of people worldwide, making early detection and management crucial for improving communication and overall quality of life.

Sources:

• Context search results (numbers 5, 11, 15)

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can manifest in various ways, and identifying its signs and symptoms is crucial for early intervention and treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Muffled hearing [2]
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments or when multiple people are talking [3]
• Sudden or steady loss of hearing [2]
• Full or "stuffy" sensation in the ear [4]

Other symptoms may include:

• Trouble hearing specific sounds, such as children's and female voices [5]
• Dizziness or balance problems [5]
• Ringing or buzzing sound in the ears (tinnitus) [1]
• Feeling of ear fullness [8]

Types of SNHL:

SNHL can be caused by inner ear damage or problems with the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, also known as sudden deafness, is a rapid and unexplained hearing loss that occurs over a few days [7].

Additional Symptoms:

People with SNHL may experience:

• Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments
• Feeling like certain sounds are overly loud in one ear
• Trouble understanding speech when multiple people are talking

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience all of them. If you're experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8

Sensorineural hearing loss, also known as nerve-related hearing loss, occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve that connects it to the brain. Diagnosing this type of hearing loss can be a bit complex, but several tests are used to determine its cause and extent.

Tests Used for Diagnosis

Several types of tests are used to diagnose sensorineural hearing loss:

• Physical Exam: A physical exam is usually the first step in diagnosing hearing loss. This involves checking the ears, nose, and throat for any abnormalities that might be causing the problem.
• Hearing Tests: Audiometry tests can detect whether you have sensorineural hearing loss (damage to the nerve or cochlea) or conductive hearing loss (damage to the eardrum or middle ear). These tests involve listening to sounds of different frequencies and volumes through headphones or a speaker. [9]
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions that might be causing the hearing loss.
• Otoscopic Exam: An otoscopic exam involves using an otoscope (a lighted tool) to look inside the ear canal and check for any abnormalities. [6]
• Tier I and OtoSeq Testing: These tests are indicated for patients with sensorineural hearing loss of unknown etiology and can identify approximately 80 percent of cases. [8]

Other Diagnostic Methods

In addition to these tests, doctors may also use other methods to diagnose sensorineural hearing loss, such as:

• Medical History: A thorough medical history is taken to rule out any underlying conditions that might be causing the hearing loss.
• Audiologist Evaluation: An audiologist evaluation involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient's hearing and communication abilities.

References

[1] Mar 30, 2023 — Audiometer tests are used to diagnose sensorineural hearing loss. [1] [2] Physicians and audiologists use medical history, physical exam, hearing tests, and imaging tests to diagnose hearing loss. [2] [3] Sensorineural hearing loss diagnosis involves several types of tests, including a physical exam, hearing tests, and imaging tests. [3] [4] Numerous diagnostic tests are usually used in the initial evaluation of sensorineural hearing loss. [4] [5] Tests such as audiometry can help tell the difference between nerve problems in the inner ear (sensorineural hearing loss) and fluid or wax that's making it difficult to hear. [5] [6] An otoscopic exam is used to look inside the ear canal and check for any abnormalities. [6] [7] Patients with suspected hearing loss should undergo in-office hearing tests such as the whispered voice test or audiometry. [7] [8] Tier I and OtoSeq testing are indicated for patients with sensorineural hearing loss of unknown etiology. [8] [9] Audiometry tests can detect whether you have sensorineural hearing loss (damage to the nerve or cochlea) or conductive hearing loss (damage to the eardrum or middle ear). [9]

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a type of hearing impairment that affects the inner ear, specifically the cochlea and auditory nerve. While there are no FDA-approved medications to treat and reverse SNHL, researchers have been exploring various drug treatments to alleviate symptoms.

Current Research and Trials

Several studies have investigated potential therapeutic agents for SNHL. For instance:

• A phase I/IIa safety and efficacy trial of intratympanic gamma-secretase inhibitor as a regenerative drug treatment for sensorineural hearing loss has been conducted [5]. This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of this novel compound in improving hearing thresholds.
• Researchers have also investigated novel compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as JNK inhibitors, which may help prevent cell death in cochlear neuroepithelia [3].

First-Line Treatment

In clinical practice, corticosteroids like prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone are recommended as first-line treatment for SNHL by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery [1]. These medications can help reduce inflammation in the inner ear.

Other Treatment Options

Besides corticosteroids, other medical therapies may be considered, including:

• Corticosteroid injections through the eardrum
• Continuing observation with repeated hearing tests

Natural Supplements

Some studies have explored the potential benefits of natural supplements like Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and Astragalus propinquus in improving hearing thresholds [9]. However, more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.

It's essential to note that while these treatments may show promise, they are not yet widely available or approved for SNHL treatment. Further research is necessary to develop effective drug therapies for this condition.

References:

[1] SS Liu (2022) - Cited by 38 [3] MG Crowson (2017) - Cited by 58 [5] AGM Schilder (2024) - Cited by 2 [9] R Castañeda (2019) - Cited by 60

Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by various factors, and differential diagnosis is crucial to determine the underlying cause. Here are some possible causes:

• Inherited disorders: Certain genetic conditions, such as otosclerosis or Pendred syndrome, can lead to sensorineural hearing loss [1].
• Noise exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the cochlea, leading to sensorineural hearing loss [3].
• Presbycusis: Age-related hearing loss is a common cause of sensorineural hearing loss, particularly in older adults [1].
• Depression and dementia: These conditions may present with symptoms similar to hearing loss, such as apathy or confusion, making differential diagnosis essential [2].
• Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune disorders, like autoimmune inner ear disease, can cause sensorineural hearing loss [4].
• Ototoxicity: Exposure to certain chemicals or medications can damage the hair cells in the cochlea, leading to sensorineural hearing loss [3].
• Perilymphatic fistula: A rare condition where there is a hole in the membrane surrounding the inner ear, causing fluid to leak out and leading to sensorineural hearing loss [4].
• Temporal bone fractures: Trauma to the temporal bone can cause sensorineural hearing loss due to damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve [3].
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL): A condition where there is a sudden and significant loss of hearing in one ear, often without any apparent cause [7].

It's essential to consider these potential causes when diagnosing sensorineural hearing loss. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests can help determine the underlying cause.

References: [1] Leading causes of sensorineural hearing loss include inherited disorders, noise exposure, and presbycusis. [2] Depression and dementia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hearing loss. [3] The term “sensorineural hearing loss” refers to hearing impairment due to combined dysfunction of the cochlea and the cochlear nerve. Common causes of hearing ... [4] Differential Diagnoses. Autoimmune Disease of the Inner Ear · Ototoxicity · Perilymphatic Fistula · Temporal Bone Fractures. [7] Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is characterized by an acute sensorineural hearing loss, nearly always unilateral, that occurs within ...