
” I believe I can inspire recipients and potential candidates to get the most out of their implants. ”
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Ruth, Contact RuthSensorineural hearing loss
What is sensorineural hearing loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the hair cells in the cochlea are damaged or missing. They produce and pass on electrical signals to the brain. If the hair cells don’t work properly, these signals cannot reach the brain. Degrees are varying, from mild to profound hearing loss, depending on the amount of hair cells affected. Sensorineural hearing loss occur at any age from birth to old age.
Causes for sensorineural hearing loss may be:
- Genetic
- Exposure to loud noise
- Diseases
- Medication
- Smoking
- Ageing

Treatment for sensorineural hearing loss
Based on your symptoms and audiogram your ENT doctor will decide whether a hearing loss or a hearing implant is the ideal solution for you. A sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent and cannot be cured, but can be treated well.
Depending on the severity of the hearing loss, there are various treatment options:
- Hearing aids
- Middle Ear Implant
- Cochlear implants (for severe to profound hearing loss)
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Diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss
A sensorineural hearing loss often develops gradually. People affected often don’t notice for a long time that their hearing has deteriorated. In children, it is usually their caretakers who notice that the child does not react to sound as usual. Adults often turn up the volume of their TV or have to ask their conversation partners to repeat themselves. Untreated hearing loss may affect a child’s speech development. Some people report hearing irritating sounds, such as whistling or ringing ears (tinnitus) in addition to their hearing loss.