Hearing aids are ideal for individuals who suffer from sensorineural hearing loss. This is a condition in which sound is unable to reach the inner ear. It can occur as a congenital disability, occur gradually, and develop during the later years. Some of the main causes, aside from congenital disabilities, include exposure to loud noise, infection, and trauma. SNHL, or sensorineural hearing loss, is not curable; however, hearing aids can come to your rescue.
Tests performed to diagnose the condition
Your audiologist will conduct a hearing test to determine whether SNHL is present or not. The following tests will be performed:
- Acoustic reflex test: The test measures the tightness of the stapedial muscles present in the middle ear. It also finds out if the muscle responds to loud noise.
- Bone conduction test: A test that determines the type of hearing loss that you are suffering from. Sound is transmitted directly to the inner ear.
- Auditory brainstem response: In this test, electrodes are used to track brain waves in response to sounds.
- Speech audiometry: The audiometry test will find out how well you can understand words. It records your softest speech and whether you can repeat it.
- Tympanometry: The audiologist will use this test to determine how well your eardrums respond to sound.
Based on the test reports, the audiologist will proceed with the treatment and management. When selecting the right hearing aid, the severity and cause of your hearing loss can be deciding factors that help you narrow down the right assistance. You can visit https://hearingbalance.sg to learn more about the various treatment options.
Treatment and Management
As far as the treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is concerned, the following lines of treatment are present:
- Cochlear implants: These are devices that are surgically placed. They bypass your inner ear and create a new pathway so that sounds can reach the brain.
- Hearing aids: The primary purpose of these devices is to amplify sound. They are essentially like tiny speakers, allowing you to hear with ease.
- BAHA or Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids: They are surgically implanted devices as well. They make use of vibrations so that sound can be sent to your inner ear. However, BAHA is ideal for individuals suffering from one-sided or unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
- Medications: If your SNHL is caused by inflammation or another disease, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids.
Summing it up
After discussing and undergoing various tests for hearing loss, the prognosis typically depends on the cause and its severity. In the majority of cases, you will find that SNHL or sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent. As such, the devices mentioned above are the only options available to combat these drawbacks. If you experience sudden hearing loss, visit an audiologist or your medical practitioner as soon as possible. You should not overlook these issues, as ignorance can make the problem worse with each passing day. Ensure that you will follow all the instructions of the audiologist in order to recover quickly.