Those who battle Meniere’s on a regular basis are already aware that fluctuating hearing loss is only part of our illness. However, the recent discussion topic in some groups of which I am a member has been sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear (or nerve from the ear to the brain).There are more than 200,000 cases of SNHL diagnosed each year in the United States. SNHL is a chronic condition that can last years or even a lifetime; it is a treatable condition but – like Meniere’s – incurable.

Causes of sensorineural hearing loss:

Illnesses

Meningitis

Mumps

Cytomegalovirus

Chickenpox

Drugs toxic to hearing (drug list from University of Michigan Medicine Health Library )

Aspirin in high doses

NSAIDs

Antibiotics such as neomycin

Diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) or bumetanide (Bumex)

Medicines used to treat cancer, including cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and bleomycin

Wax

Buildup of earwax (cerumen) can result in SSNL; be sure to clean ears regularly to avoid buildup. There are some good earwax removal products available over the counter. Also avoid the common mistake of using cotton swabs to clean out the ears.

Tumor

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a benign tumor developing on balance (vestibular) and hearing or auditory (cochlear) nerves leading from inner ear to the brain.

Hearing loss in the family

Examples of hereditary hearing loss are otosclerosis, Usher’s syndrome and Pendred syndrome.

Aging

About one-third of people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 75 have some degree of hearing loss though SNHL can also be diagnosed in younger adults and even children.

Head/neck injury (also known as post-traumatic hearing loss )

Generally, but not always, the trauma is to the vicinity of the ear. Slaps to the ear, blunt objects hitting the around the bone of the ear are particularly common. In the author’s experience, loss of consciousness is less common than retained consciousness. Falls with head contact to an unyielding surface, such as from a ladder to the floor, are more likely to be injurious than, for example, boxes falling on the head. Generally, although not always, in cases with post-traumatic dizziness or hearing loss there is signs of head injury — a skull fracture being the most obvious, but also bruises, swelling, abrasions are seen in head injuries that are associated with hearing loss or tinnitus. A perforation of the ear drum is an unequivocal sign of a significant middle ear trauma. However, most of the time, the ear drum is not perforated (Grant et al, 2008).

A problem in the inner ear

Meniere’s is only one example.

Loud noises

This is especially common among people who work in high noise situations (shooting galleries, factories, airports, mines, construction sites, etc.; those employed in these industries now wear OSHA-approved hearing protectors), listening to music at high volume – especially through ear buds or personal headphones, and exposure to high-decibel noise (e.g. rock concerts).

Treatment for sensorineural hearing loss:

Assistive devices (personal amplifiers, FM systems, infrared systems, induction loop systems, Bluetooth, TV captioning features, and caption phones )

Alerting devices (alarm clock that vibrates the bed, blinking lights when doorbell rings or a smoke alarm activates)

Hearing aids (consult audiologist to find which kind is best for you)

Cochlear implants (when hearing aids are ineffective)

Corticosteriods (used in otologic emergencies of viral origin or to reduce cochlea hair cell swelling and inflammation after exposure to loud noise)

Sensorineural hearing loss research is happening on a regular basis for effective treatments and maybe one day – a cure.

Here are only a few studies:

World’s first gene therapy trial

Study points to possible new therapy for hearing loss

Emerging Therapies for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Treatments for hearing loss: What’s new?

While sensorineural hearing loss is permanent to the point that loud noises can sound muffled without hearing aids (or cochlear implants), the good news is those with hearing loss can still lead somewhat normal lives. The ever-changing world of modern technology has made some considerable differences; smartphones can now send signals directly to some types of hearing devices, allowing access to phone conversations with little difficulty. Proficiency in reading lips, facial expressions, body language , and other visual cues can also improve communication skills.

Sensorineural hearing loss patients no longer have to battle their condition alone. Learning the aforementioned skills and using current technologies reduces frustration, isolation, depression, and anxiety – and open up a whole new world!