Diagnosis And Treatment Of Sensorineural Deafness

Sensorineural deafness is also known as nerve deafness. This condition often results from various health conditions. This condition also accounts to about 99% of hearing problems. Although this condition is considered as idiopathic, researchers believe that there are certain conditions that can trigger this. Some of these conditions are presbycusis, physical and environmental factors or hereditary hearing loss. Aside from that, there are other conditions that can cause sensorineural hearing loss like mumps and herpes simplex and viral infections like rubella. Vascular diseases like leukemia and sickle cell anemia, autoimmune diseases like lupus and temporal arteritis are also factors that can cause tinnitus. Some of the rare factors are hyper viscosity, tumors, superficial siderosis and Kawasaki's disease.

Sensorineural deafness comes with various symptoms. In babies suffering from congenital deafness, some of the symptoms include the absence of babbling and baby noises and failure to respond to sound. Adult sufferers, on the other hand, may experience various symptoms like distorted sounds and lower hearing sensitivity. An adult individual that is suffering from sensorineural hearing loss may fail to hear and understand some high-pitched sounds, like S, F and Z. while they are in a very noisy environment; they might be unable to hear or understand speech. Tinnitus and vertigo are other symptoms of such condition.

The diagnosis of sensorineural deafness usually involve ear examinations and a review of the patient's medical history, as well as the medical history of his/her family and if there are family members that suffer from hearing loss. The treatment option for this condition usually depends on the condition and the patient's age. Some tests include MRI, CT scan and EEG. Other options include cochlear implants or hearing aids. The hearing aid should properly fit the ear of the patient to prevent discomfort and this may also come with a tiny microphone that can increase the volume of the speaker in order to properly transmit the sound into the ear.

Cochlear implant for sensorineural deafness, on the other hand, is fitted right behind the ear and this works by stimulating the cochlea's auditory nerves. These devices usually come with an external component with a speech processer and headset with directional microphone. The internal component has a receiver or stimulator placed under the skin and right behind the ear's bone. The surgeon will insert the electrode array an inch into the cochlea. There are lots of other treatment options for sensorineural deafness. However, before opting for any of these treatments, make sure that you discuss your condition with your physician first.