Sensorineural deafness, also known as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), occurs when the inner ear or the nerve pathways between the ear and the brain are damaged. This condition makes it difficult for individuals to hear faint sounds, understand speech clearly, or distinguish between different tones. It is often permanent, but hearing aids or cochlear implants can help improve hearing.
Introduction
Sensorineural deafness is a type of hearing loss that affects millions of people worldwide. It gained significant attention recently when the Indian singer Alka Yagnik shared her personal experience with this condition. In this article, we explain what sensorineural deafness is, its causes, and how it can be managed.
Alka Yagnik’s Experience with Sensorineural Deafness
The renowned Indian singer Alka Yagnik, aged 58, is battling sensorineural deafness. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she recounted a shocking moment when she suddenly lost her hearing after a flight. “As I walked out of the flight, I realized I couldn’t hear anything,” she wrote.
Ms. Yagnik also cautioned her fans and young colleagues about the risks of exposure to loud music and prolonged headphone use.
Causes of Sensorineural Deafness
- Aging: As people age, the components of the inner ear can wear out. Approximately one-third of individuals aged 65 to 74 experience hearing problems. By the age of 75, about half of all individuals are affected.
- Noise Exposure: Exposure to loud noises, such as at concerts or from machinery, can damage the delicate hair cells in the ear or the auditory nerve, leading to SNHL.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals are born with SNHL due to inherited genes or infections their mothers had during pregnancy, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus. Birth complications like oxygen deprivation can also cause SNHL.
- Illnesses and Infections: Diseases caused by viruses or bacteria, such as measles or meningitis, can harm the inner ear. Autoimmune disorders, where the body’s immune system attacks itself, may also lead to hearing loss.
- Medications: Certain medications, especially those used to treat cancer or severe infections, may have side effects that damage the ear’s hearing mechanisms.
- Head Injuries: Physical trauma to the head or skull fractures can harm the auditory nerve or inner ear, resulting in SNHL.
Conclusion
Sensorineural deafness is a significant form of hearing loss that can greatly impact the lives of those affected. While it is often irreversible, assistive devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants can help improve quality of life. Protecting your hearing by avoiding loud noise exposure and practicing safe headphone use is essential to reduce the risk of developing this condition.
