This hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear or the nerve that transmits sound to the brain. It is most often the result of the natural aging process or exposure to loud sounds. On this page you will find:
- Signs and symptoms of perceptual hearing loss
- Treatments for sensorineural hearing loss
- The causes of perceptual hearing loss
What is sensorineural hearing loss?
Inside your inner ear are small hair cells that sense sound, as well as the auditory nerve that transmits them to the brain. The breakdown and disappearance of hair cells due to aging, sound or disease can lead to perceptual hearing loss. This hearing disorder can affect only one ear or both.
It is possible to be born with this hearing loss, but it most often appears with age. Age-related hearing loss – also known as presbycusis – is the most common cause of perceptual hearing loss . This hearing impairment can vary in degrees, from mild to severe, or even profound, and tends to worsen slowly over time, depending on the cause.
Symptoms of perceptual hearing loss
Often, hearing loss sets in gradually over time. This is the reason why it is interesting to know the signs of hearing loss, so you can diagnose the first symptoms.
It can be difficult to identify symptoms that are specific only to perceptual hearing loss. However, if you experience any of its discomforts, it is likely that you are suffering from hearing loss – and most likely from perceptual hearing loss:
Do you recognize any of these signs?
- Difficulty following conversations between more than two people or in a noisy environment
- Problem understanding verbal information in a public place , such as over loudspeakers, in restaurants, shops, or at work
- Difficulty understanding during telephone conversations
Sounds seem imprecise or feel like people are whispering - Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Ringing or ringing in the ears , known as tinnitus, is typical of this type of hearing loss.
Treatment of sensorineural hearing loss
Perceptual hearing loss can often be treated with hearing aids. There is a wide range of hearing aids available, so you will be able to find the model that best suits your needs and type of hearing impairment.
Types of hearing aids Sensory
Deafness cannot be treated with medication or surgery. To screen for this hearing disorder, we recommend that you make an appointment for a free hearing test at an Audika center. You can then be oriented on treatment options with a hearing aid.
We recommend that you treat your perceptual hearing loss as soon as possible since it can lead to unwanted side effects such as isolation or cognitive decline.
What are the causes of perceptual hearing loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the auditory nerve or small hair cells in the inner ear have been damaged. This can be related to different causes, including:
- Aging – Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis , is the most common form of perceptual hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sounds, it can be a single exposure or a repeated exposure.
Learn more about preventing noise trauma . - Head trauma, for example caused by a shock to the head.
- Certain drugs.
- Genetics or complications during childbirth and pregnancy.
Sudden deafness?
Sudden deafness involves rapid and unexplained hearing loss abruptly and / or over several days. Most of the time, it only affects one ear. Sometimes it can go away on its own or be resolved with medical treatment. If you suffer from sudden hearing loss, see your doctor for medical advice.
Prevent hearing loss before it hits you!
If you have good hearing, it’s never too early to prevent the risk of hearing loss. Using hearing protection, such as ear plugs, earmuffs, or headphones, can help prevent hearing loss. You may be exposed to loud sounds, such as:
- Gardening tools like lawn mowers and leaf blowers
- Chain saw
- Noisy devices
- Work-related exposure, especially in factories, on construction sites and even in schools
- Snowmobiles
- Music
Earplugs and noise-canceling headphones can provide protection for your ears. It is recommended that you wear them to avoid damaging your hearing.
