and Managing Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Patient's Guide

Sensorineural hearing loss

Hello Doctor, I noticed that I couldn't hear from my left ear since I was a child.
I visited a medical center in Kaohsiung, but during my first visit, I was too young to remember what the doctor said.
My second visit was last year, and the doctor diagnosed me with sensorineural hearing loss.
I underwent a hearing test and a CT scan.
The results showed no tumors or abnormalities in my brain.
The doctor only informed me of this and did not provide a detailed explanation or mention any treatment, only advising me to have regular hearing check-ups.
However, I am very concerned because my left ear is not functioning, which sometimes affects my conversations; I struggle to hear clearly and often miss what people are saying to my left.
Could you please give me some advice?

JIN, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/02/28

Dr. Hong Guangliang reply Otolaryngology

Hello, hearing impairment is generally classified into three types: conductive, sensorineural (also known as perceptive), and mixed (which includes both of the aforementioned types).
Your issue appears to be related to sensorineural hearing loss, which involves problems with the auditory cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve.
As of current medical advancements, there is no effective treatment for nerve-related damage; the only option is to use hearing aids.
However, if your other ear has normal hearing, we typically do not recommend using a hearing aid, as you would still rely on the better ear.
Some hearing aids can transmit sound from the affected ear to the better ear, but this still requires additional hearing aids and learning, and the effectiveness is limited.
My suggestion is to take your hearing report and discuss your daily challenges with your physician, asking for their advice! Although single-sided hearing loss can be inconvenient, communication is still possible.
I strongly recommend that you take good care of your better ear, as losing hearing in both ears would lead to significant difficulties!

Reply Date: 2008/02/28

More Info

Understanding and managing sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can be a complex journey, especially when it has been a part of your life since childhood. Sensorineural hearing loss is typically caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways that lead to the brain. This type of hearing loss can result from various factors, including genetic predispositions, exposure to loud noises, aging, infections, or even certain medical conditions.

Given your history of left ear hearing loss and the diagnosis of SNHL, it is understandable that you have concerns about your communication abilities and overall quality of life. Here are some recommendations and insights that may help you manage your condition:
1. Regular Hearing Assessments: Since your doctor has advised regular hearing tests, it is crucial to adhere to this schedule. Regular assessments can help monitor any changes in your hearing ability and allow for timely interventions if necessary.

2. Hearing Aids: Depending on the degree of your hearing loss, a hearing aid may be beneficial. Hearing aids can amplify sounds and improve your ability to hear conversations, especially in noisy environments. It’s worth discussing this option with your audiologist or ENT specialist.

3. Assistive Listening Devices: In addition to hearing aids, there are various assistive listening devices (ALDs) that can enhance your hearing experience. These devices can be particularly useful in situations where background noise is prevalent, such as in restaurants or during group conversations.

4. Communication Strategies: Developing effective communication strategies can significantly improve your interactions. This may include:
- Positioning yourself to face the speaker, which allows you to read lips and see facial expressions.

- Asking people to speak clearly and at a moderate pace.

- Using visual cues and gestures to aid understanding.

5. Coping Mechanisms: It’s essential to develop coping mechanisms for situations where you may struggle to hear. This could involve informing friends and family about your hearing loss so they can be more mindful when communicating with you.

6. Support Groups: Consider joining a support group for individuals with hearing loss. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice on managing daily challenges.

7. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about sensorineural hearing loss. Understanding your condition can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and treatment options. There are many resources available, including reputable websites and literature from hearing health organizations.

8. Consultation with Specialists: If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, consider seeking a second opinion from another ENT specialist or an audiologist. They may provide additional insights or treatment options that could be beneficial.

9. Lifestyle Adjustments: Protecting your remaining hearing is crucial. Avoid exposure to loud noises, and consider using ear protection in noisy environments. Additionally, maintaining overall health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can positively impact your auditory health.

10. Mental Health Considerations: Living with hearing loss can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or frustration. If you find that your hearing loss is affecting your mental well-being, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can help you develop coping strategies.

In summary, while sensorineural hearing loss can present challenges, there are various strategies and resources available to help you manage your condition effectively. Regular check-ups, potential use of hearing aids, effective communication strategies, and support from professionals and peers can significantly enhance your quality of life. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek the information and support you need.

Similar Q&A

Managing Sudden Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Effective Strategies and Treatments

Hello! I experienced sudden hearing loss a year and a half ago, and I was hospitalized for 10 days at that time. Although my hearing has improved somewhat since then, it has not fully recovered, and I still experience tinnitus with noisy sounds, which has troubled me for a long t...

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your inquiry, your issue may be a sequela of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. It is recommended that you visit a specialist for further evaluation to address your hearing and tinnitus concerns.

Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder in Ear, Nose, and Throat Health

Due to external otitis followed by otitis media and a high fever before reaching the age of one, the child is unable to hear clearly. Regardless of the volume, the sounds are indistinct and incomprehensible.

Dr. Cai Zhenggu reply Otolaryngology
Hello H.Y.J: "Sensorineural hearing loss" is a type of hearing impairment caused by degeneration or damage to the auditory nerves in the inner ear. We recommend that you come to our clinic for a hearing evaluation, and we will explain the results of the examination to y...

Understanding Hearing Loss: A Guide to Hearing Aids and Treatment

Dear Dr. Hsu, I would like to inquire about the correction of hearing loss. My father, who is currently 64 years old, has suffered from significant hearing loss due to working in a loud environment in his early years. He can only hear others when they speak very loudly, and he c...

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your inquiry, a hearing test needs to be conducted first (which can be done on-site at the outpatient clinic). As for the specifications for hearing aids, it will require 2-3 outpatient visits. Elderly individuals not only face issues related to aging but ma...

Understanding Hearing Loss: Causes and Concerns for Patients

Hello, what are the causes of hearing degradation that can lead to impairment? I underwent a pure tone audiometry test, which showed mild high-frequency degradation in my left ear with a hearing threshold of 40 decibels, and mild low-frequency degradation in my right ear with a h...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Dear Sir/Madam, High-frequency hearing loss is considered a normal aging phenomenon, while low-frequency loss varies from person to person. Hearing impairment can be categorized based on the location of the pathological changes into "conductive hearing loss" and "...