Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the deterioration of hearing due to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve that transmits sound to the brain. For those affected, it is difficult to determine where the sound is coming from, it can affect one or both ears, and the severity can vary. It is a relatively common condition that can affect up to 5% of the world population.

Sensorineural hearing loss can originate in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The main cause is damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, which results in a reduction in sound intensity and quality perception. The exact cause of this deterioration is unclear, but several risk factors have been identified, including:

• Age: aging is the most important factor.
• Abnormal ear development during gestation.
• Trauma.
• Exposure to loud noises.
• Past illnesses, such as meningitis.
• Use of ototoxic medications, such as antimalarials, acetylsalicylic acid, certain diuretics, or beta-blockers, among others.

The most evident symptom of sensorineural hearing loss is hearing loss itself, which can cause the affected person to have trouble understanding speech, making it difficult to follow a conversation. Additionally, if this hearing loss occurs in only one ear, it may lead to difficulty in locating where sounds are coming from or hearing background noise.

Other common symptoms may include a sensation of dizziness, vertigo, and loss of balance. Additionally, tinnitus, a perception of sound without an external source, may also appear.

There are no completely effective measures to prevent the development of sensorineural hearing loss, although there are actions that can be taken, such as avoiding exposure to high noise levels and protecting the ear when exposure is unavoidable. Additionally, it is also advisable to properly dry the ear after bathing and avoid the use of cotton swabs to minimize the risk of infection.