Inside ear hearing loss: symptoms, causes, treatment
Interior ear hearing loss, also known as sensorineural hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss, is one of the most common forms of hearing loss. It does not affect the conduction of sound, but the perception of sound, which results in a distorted perception of sound signals.
Inner ear hearing loss is also divided into neuronal, sensory and sensorineural hearing loss. While in the sensory form the damage is in the cochlea, neuronal hearing loss is due to damage to the auditory nerve. Sensorineural sensorineural hearing loss ultimately combines damage in both functional areas.
Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss
An sensorineural hearing loss typically manifests itself in hearing loss. In some cases, this is also accompanied by ringing in the ears. Reduced hearing comprehension is therefore primarily an indication of a corresponding hearing loss, especially in noisy environments. Balance problems and dizziness are also possible.
Causes of sensorineural hearing lossThere are many causes of sensorineural hearing loss, ranging from congenital predisposition to age-related wear and tear. In children, prenatal illnesses of the mother, complications at birth and illnesses in infancy are also common. Other reasons include:
- Audden hearing loss
- Infections (e.g. mumps, measles, boreliosis,..)
- Long-term exposure to noise
- Cranial injuries
- Ménière's disease
- Acoustic neuroma
- Inheritance
- Disorders of the cervical spine
- Drug side effects
Diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss
In order to be able to make a diagnosis, a visit to the ear, nose and throat doctor is necessary. Following a medical history, the doctor will perform an otoscopy. This will rule out the possibility of a blockage in the ear or a defect in the eardrum. In addition, a hearing test provides information about the patient's hearing threshold. The results of the measurement of air and bone conduction show the same levels in the audiogram in the case of sensorineural hearing loss. This allows the diagnosis to be made and appropriate treatment to be initiated.
Treatment/therapy for sensorineural hearing lossTypically, sensorineural hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids. In some cases, however, the amplification power of the devices is not sufficient. In this case, an operation may be promising, more precisely the insertion of a cochlear implant. Your doctor will advise you on the most suitable treatment method for you
.Curable sensorineural hearing loss
The chances of a cure for diagnosed sensorineural hearing loss are low. However, it is important to seek medical clarification at the first suspicion. This is because the sooner treatment is initiated, the better. Timely therapy, on the other hand, prevents the weaning of sound perception.
Interior ear hearing loss in children
Inner ear hearing loss is one of the most common forms of hearing impairment in children. It can be hereditary and congenital as well as acquired during childhood. In addition to pre- and perinatal causes, childhood diseases are one of the main causes of sensorineural hearing loss. If you suspect that your child has a hearing loss, a pediatric audiologist should be consulted as soon as possible.