WNC Audiology provides sensorineural hearing loss evaluation and treatment in Asheville, NC.
Sensorineural hearing loss, or SNHL, happens when there is damage to the delicate inner ear or to the hearing nerve that carries sound to your brain. This type of hearing loss often makes softer sounds harder to detect, while louder sounds may seem unclear, muffled, or distorted.
Inside your inner ear are thousands of tiny hair cells that play a key role in hearing. Once these hair cells are damaged, they cannot grow back. That’s why sensorineural hearing loss is almost always permanent.
At WNC Audiology, our audiologists in Asheville provide complete testing, diagnosis, and treatment options for SNHL. With the right care, you can improve your hearing, stay connected, and enjoy the sounds of life again.
Why Getting Treatment Matters
Untreated sensorineural hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears, it affects your quality of life. Over time, it can make conversations frustrating, social gatherings overwhelming, and everyday listening more difficult. Many people with untreated hearing loss also report feelings of loneliness, fatigue, or even memory and concentration issues.
The good news is that with professional care, many people with SNHL find significant improvement.
Hearing aids or cochlear implants can help you follow conversations, enjoy music, and participate fully in life. Talk to an audiologist to learn more about your options.
WNC Audiology connects you to expert audiologists in Asheville, NC.
Signs You Might Have Sensorineural Hearing Loss
SNHL can develop gradually or come on suddenly. Common signs include:
- Trouble hearing soft sounds or whispers
- Feeling like people are mumbling
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Struggling to follow speech
- Hearing ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus)
- Hearing better in one ear than the other
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
If you recognize any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. WNC Audiology provides hearing tests in Asheville, NC.
What Causes Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
There are many possible causes of SNHL, including:
- Aging (presbycusis): The natural wear and tear of inner ear hair cells over time
- Loud noise exposure: Repeated exposure to concerts, machinery, or headphones at high volume, or even a single loud blast like a gunshot
- Genetics: Some forms of hearing loss are inherited
- Ototoxic medications: Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or large doses of aspirin can damage hearing
- Head injuries: Trauma to the skull can harm the inner ear or auditory nerve
How We Diagnose and Treat SNHL
At WNC Audiology, we begin with a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Using advanced diagnostic tools, we measure your ability to detect tones and understand speech. From there, we confirm whether you have SNHL and discuss the best treatment options for your lifestyle and hearing needs.
Hearing Solutions for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
While SNHL cannot be reversed, modern hearing technology offers effective ways to improve hearing and communication:
- Hearing Aids – Effective for mild to moderate SNHL. Today’s devices are small, discreet, and full of helpful features like Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, and directional microphones to make listening in noisy settings easier.
- Cochlear Implants – Used for severe hearing loss when hearing aids no longer provide enough benefit. These devices bypass the damaged inner ear and send signals directly to the hearing nerve.
- Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) – Helpful in certain cases, especially when hearing loss affects only one ear. They transmit sound vibrations through the bone instead of through the ear canal.
Our audiologists will walk you through each option, ensuring you choose a solution that offers both comfort and clarity.
Can SNHL Be Cured?
At this time, there is no cure for sensorineural hearing loss. The damaged inner ear cells do not regenerate. However, with early treatment, you can greatly improve your ability to hear and reduce the impact on your daily life. The key is to address it sooner rather than later.
How to Protect Your Hearing
While not all SNHL can be prevented, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Wear ear protection at concerts, job sites, or when using loud tools
- Follow the 60/60 rule: keep headphone volume below 60% for no more than 60 minutes at a time
- Take breaks to give your ears time to rest
- Ask your doctor if your medications could affect your hearing
- Schedule regular hearing checkups. Early detection helps prevent further damage
Frequently Asked Questions About SNHL
Is sensorineural hearing loss permanent?
Yes, SNHL is usually permanent because the inner ear hair cells cannot regenerate. Treatment focuses on improving hearing through technology and strategies.
Does tinnitus always come with SNHL?
Not always, but tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) is a common symptom of sensorineural hearing loss.
Can both ears be affected?
Yes, SNHL can affect one ear or both. Many people experience a gradual loss in both ears as they age.
Do hearing aids really help with SNHL?
Absolutely. Modern hearing aids are designed to amplify sounds in a way that supports damaged hearing and improves speech clarity in everyday situations.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Care in Asheville, NC
At WNC Audiology, we are committed to helping you hear your best. Our audiologists in Asheville, NC provide thorough hearing tests, accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans for SNHL.
With the latest technology and compassionate care, we’ll help you stay connected to the people and activities you love.
Call WNC Audiology today to schedule your hearing evaluation in Asheville, NC!