Summary about Disease
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a type of hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve that transmits sound signals from the inner ear to the brain. It's often permanent and can range from mild to profound. SNHL affects the ability to hear faint sounds and can also affect the clarity of speech.
Symptoms
Difficulty hearing faint sounds
Muffled hearing
Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears)
Dizziness or balance problems
Hypersensitivity to certain sounds (hyperacusis)
Causes
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis): Gradual hearing loss that occurs with aging.
Noise exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear.
Genetic factors: Some people are predisposed to hearing loss due to their genes.
Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections (e.g., measles, mumps, meningitis) can damage the inner ear.
Ototoxic drugs: Some medications can damage the inner ear (e.g., certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, high doses of aspirin).
Head trauma: Injury to the head can damage the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Acoustic neuroma: A noncancerous tumor on the auditory nerve.
Meniere's disease: An inner ear disorder that can cause hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL): Hearing loss that develops rapidly, usually over a few hours or days.
Medicine Used
Corticosteroids: May be prescribed for sudden sensorineural hearing loss, ideally within 72 hours of onset.
Diuretics: Sometimes used for Meniere's disease, which can contribute to hearing loss. Note: There is no medication to directly "cure" sensorineural hearing loss or regenerate damaged hair cells. Treatment primarily focuses on managing the symptoms and providing hearing assistance.
Is Communicable
No, sensorineural hearing loss itself is not communicable. However, some of the underlying causes, such as certain viral or bacterial infections (e.g., measles, mumps, meningitis), are communicable and can lead to hearing loss as a complication.
Precautions
Noise protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments.
Safe medication use: Be aware of the ototoxic potential of certain medications and discuss alternatives with your doctor if possible.
Vaccination: Get vaccinated against diseases that can cause hearing loss, such as measles, mumps, and rubella.
Prompt treatment of infections: Seek medical attention for ear infections and other illnesses that could potentially affect hearing.
Regular hearing tests: Especially for people over 50 or those with a family history of hearing loss.
How long does an outbreak last?
This question is not applicable to sensorineural hearing loss. SNHL is not an outbreak-related disease. The duration of hearing loss depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the damage. Some causes, such as noise exposure, result in gradual, progressive hearing loss over years. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss develops rapidly but is not an outbreak.
How is it diagnosed?
Hearing test (audiogram): This is the primary test to assess hearing levels at different frequencies.
Tympanometry: Measures the movement of the eardrum, which can help identify problems in the middle ear.
Speech audiometry: Assesses the ability to understand spoken words.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs): Measures the response of the inner ear to sound.
Auditory brainstem response (ABR): Measures the electrical activity in the brainstem in response to sound.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): May be used to rule out acoustic neuroma or other structural abnormalities.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly depending on the cause:
Age-related hearing loss: Gradual onset over many years.
Noise-induced hearing loss: Gradual onset with continued noise exposure; may notice temporary threshold shift (temporary hearing loss) after loud events initially.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Rapid onset, typically within 72 hours.
Infection-related hearing loss: Symptoms may appear alongside or shortly after the infection.
Acoustic neuroma: Gradual onset, often with asymmetric hearing loss and tinnitus.
Important Considerations
Early detection is key: The sooner hearing loss is diagnosed, the sooner appropriate treatment and management strategies can be implemented.
Hearing aids: Are a common treatment option to amplify sounds.
Cochlear implants: Are an option for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids.
Communication strategies: Learning to lip-read and using visual cues can improve communication.
Assistive listening devices: Devices like amplified telephones and captioning services can help with communication.
Psychological support: Hearing loss can impact quality of life and emotional well-being, so counseling or support groups can be beneficial.
Regular follow-up: Monitoring hearing levels and adjusting treatment as needed is important.