Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss resulting from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Various factors, including age, noise exposure, and certain pathological conditions can cause it. Treatment options include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive devices. The assessment of the Polygenic Risk Score for sensorineural hearing loss is based on examining 9 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for sensorineural hearing loss is included along with 12 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Sensory Organs and Skin Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
Sensorineural hearing loss may originate in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The leading cause is damage to the hair cells of the cochlea, resulting in reduced perception of sound intensity and quality. The origin of this deterioration is not entirely clear, although there are identified risk factors such as the following:
- Age: aging is the most important factor
- Abnormal development of the ear in the stages of gestation
- Trauma
- Exposure to loud noises
- Past illnesses such as meningitis
- Use ototoxic drugs, such as antimalarials, acetylsalicylic acid, some diuretics, or beta-blockers, among others
Symptoms
The most apparent symptom of sensorineural hearing loss is hearing loss, so the affected person may have trouble understanding speech, making it difficult to follow a conversation. In addition, if this hearing loss is suffered in only one ear, it can cause problems in locating where sounds come from or hearing background noise. Other common symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, and loss of balance. Tinnitus, a perception of noise without an external source, may also occur.
Prevention
There are no effective measures to avoid the development of sensorineural hearing loss, although actions can be taken, such as avoiding exposure to high sound levels and protecting the ear when exposure is unavoidable. In addition, it is also advisable to dry the ear properly after bathing and to avoid the use of cotton swabs to minimize the risk of infection.
