A CLEAR GUIDE TO SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS
Specialist Assessment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is common and often develops gradually due to inner ear or auditory nerve changes linked to ageing, noise exposure, or illness, and it is usually not dangerous. However, sudden hearing loss, one-sided symptoms, rhythmic sounds, marked imbalance, facial weakness, or other neurological changes need urgent audiovestibular medicine assessment.
Inner Ear Changes
An Overview of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss happens when sound signals are affected within the inner ear or along the hearing nerve that carries information to the brain. Instead of sound being blocked, the issue lies in how sound is processed. This can affect clarity, speech understanding, and hearing in noisy environments, even when sounds seem loud enough.
It is one of the most common types of hearing loss and may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Causes include ageing changes, noise exposure, infections, genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, and certain medications. Because balance and hearing share inner ear pathways, some people also experience tinnitus or dizziness alongside hearing change symptoms.
Pinpointing the Cause
Diagnosing Sensorineural Hearing Loss
When to Get Checked
Knowing when to seek help matters. While sensorineural hearing loss is often gradual and manageable, certain patterns signal the need for prompt specialist review to rule out treatable or serious causes.
You should get assessed if hearing changes occur suddenly, affect one ear, are accompanied by pulsating sounds, severe dizziness, facial weakness, visual disturbance, new neurological symptoms, or follow infection, head injury, or new medication use. Prompt review ensures timely diagnosis and appropriate management of early care.
How We Assess Sensorineural Hearing Loss
At Harley AVM, assessment starts with a detailed clinical history to understand how hearing has changed, whether symptoms are gradual or sudden, and how they affect communication and daily life. We explore associated features such as tinnitus, imbalance, noise exposure, medical history, and medication use. This step helps us decide which investigations are appropriate and avoids unnecessary testing.
Depending on symptoms, assessment may include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, speech-in-noise testing, tympanometry, acoustic reflex threshold measurement, eustachian tube function testing, and otoacoustic emissions. All testing is reviewed with our senior audiovestibular clinician, ensuring results are interpreted within the full clinical picture.
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Specialist Tests to Assess Hearing, Balance and Inner Ear Health
Harley Street Specialists in Hearing, Dizziness & Balance
Specialist Care for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Every Sensorineural Hearing Loss case is different. Your consultant will create a tailored plan to address your specific symptoms and lifestyle – when it started, how it affects your day, and which tests and treatments are right for you.