Maico Audiological Services provides sensorineural hearing loss evaluation and treatment in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Smithfield, VA.
Sensorineural hearing loss, or SNHL, happens when the inner ear or the hearing nerve is damaged. This type of hearing loss can make soft sounds very hard to hear, while louder sounds may seem unclear, muffled, or fuzzy.
Inside your inner ear are tiny hair cells that help carry sound to your brain. Once these cells are damaged, they cannot grow back. Because of this, SNHL is usually permanent. But with the right care, many people can manage it well and enjoy a better quality of life.
Why Getting Treatment Matters
Untreated hearing loss can make everyday life harder. It may cause you to miss parts of conversations, avoid social activities, or feel left out with family and friends. Over time, it can also lead to frustration, loneliness, and even problems with memory or focus. The good news is that with early testing and proper treatment, you can improve your hearing and stay connected to the people and activities you love.
At Maico Audiological Services, our audiologist or hearing instrument specialist in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Smithfield, VA provides complete hearing evaluations and personalized treatment plans for sensorineural hearing loss.
Signs You May Have Sensorineural Hearing Loss
SNHL can develop slowly over time or, in some cases, happen suddenly. Common signs include:
- Trouble hearing soft voices or whispers
- Feeling like people are mumbling
- Often asking others to repeat themselves
- Difficulty following conversations in noisy places
- Hearing ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds (tinnitus)
- Hearing better in one ear than the other
- Sounds seem unclear or distant
- Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, like birds or children’s voices
If you notice these changes, it’s important to schedule a hearing test. Maico Audiological Services provides hearing tests in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Smithfield, VA.
What Causes Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
There are many reasons SNHL can happen, such as:
- Aging – The tiny hair cells in the inner ear wear down over time.
- Loud noise – Long-term noise exposure, or even one very loud event like a gunshot or explosion, can cause damage.
- Genetics – Some people are born with hearing problems or develop them earlier due to inherited traits.
- Certain medications – Some medicines, called ototoxic drugs, can harm hearing. These may include chemotherapy drugs, some antibiotics, or high doses of aspirin.
- Head injuries – Trauma to the head can damage the inner ear or hearing nerve.
- Infections – Illnesses like meningitis, measles, or mumps can injure the inner ear.
How We Diagnose and Treat SNHL
At Maico Audiological Services, we start with a full hearing test to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. If we find sensorineural hearing loss, we’ll discuss solutions that fit your lifestyle and needs. Our audiologist or hearing instrument specialist will help you choose the best option for comfort, clarity, and your daily life.
Can Sensorineural Hearing Loss Be Cured?
Right now, there is no cure for SNHL because the damaged hair cells do not grow back. However, with the right devices and care, you can greatly improve your hearing and continue enjoying conversations, music, and the world around you.
How to Protect Your Hearing
While not all SNHL can be prevented, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Wear hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) around loud sounds.
- Follow the 60/60 rule: listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time when using earbuds.
- Take breaks to give your ears time to rest.
- Ask your doctor if any medications you take could affect your hearing.
- Schedule regular hearing check-ups for early detection.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Care in Virginia
At Maico Audiological Services, we are committed to helping you hear your best. Our audiologist and hearing instrument specialist provide expert testing, clear explanations, and treatment options designed for your needs.
With the right care, you can enjoy better hearing and stay connected to the people and moments that matter most.
Call us today to schedule your hearing evaluation in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Smithfield, VA.
