Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the the New River Valley
What Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of permanent hearing loss, accounting for over 90% of all adult cases. It occurs when the tiny hair cells of the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve that carries signals to the brain are damaged or deteriorate. Unlike conductive hearing loss which is often reversible with medical treatment sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent.
The good news is that sensorineural hearing loss is highly manageable. With today’s advanced digital hearing aid technology, the vast majority of people with SNHL can achieve significant improvements in hearing, communication, and quality of life. At New River Valley Hearing & Balance, our experienced team serves patients throughout the New River Valley from our offices in Radford and Floyd, VA taking the time to understand your needs and recommend solutions that truly fit your hearing and your lifestyle.
The good news is that sensorineural hearing loss is highly manageable. With today’s advanced digital hearing aid technology, the vast majority of people with SNHL can achieve significant improvements in hearing, communication, and quality of life.
Common Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis) The most common cause of SNHL. The natural aging process gradually reduces the number of functioning hair cells in the cochlea. Most people begin to notice age-related hearing loss in their 50s and 60s, and it typically affects high-frequency sounds first which is why voices may sound muffled even when they seem loud enough.
Noise-induced hearing loss Prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds above 85 decibels permanently damages inner ear hair cells. Unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can affect people of any age. In the New River Valley region with its strong outdoor, agricultural, manufacturing, and recreational culture noise exposure from machinery, hunting, farming, and live music is a real and ongoing concern for many residents. New River Valley Hearing & Balance offers custom hearing protection to help prevent this type of damage.
Genetic and congenital factors Some forms of sensorineural hearing loss are inherited or present from birth. Early identification and intervention are critical for children with congenital hearing loss to support speech and language development. Our team is experienced evaluating patients of all ages.
Ototoxic medications Certain drugs including some antibiotics (particularly aminoglycosides), chemotherapy agents, loop diuretics, and high-dose aspirin can damage inner ear hair cells. If you are taking medications with known ototoxic potential, regular hearing monitoring is recommended.
Ménière’s disease An inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Hearing loss associated with Ménière’s disease is typically sensorineural and may become permanent over time. As an AIB-certified Center of Specialty Care, New River Valley Hearing & Balance has the expertise to evaluate and address the balance and hearing components of this condition together.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) A rapid loss of hearing typically in one ear occurring over a period of 72 hours or less. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation. Prompt treatment with corticosteroids can improve recovery outcomes. If you experience sudden hearing loss, contact our office right away at (540) 731-4327.
Viral infections Certain viruses, including mumps, measles, and meningitis, can cause sudden or progressive sensorineural hearing loss.
Acoustic neuroma A benign tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve that can cause progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems in one ear. Because this condition affects both hearing and balance, it is particularly well-suited for evaluation at New River Valley Hearing & Balance, where both systems are assessed under one roof.
Symptoms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Because SNHL most often affects high frequencies first, the following symptoms are particularly characteristic:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, even when sounds seem loud enough
- Speech sounding muffled or unclear
- Trouble distinguishing consonants — “s,” “f,” “sh,” and “th” sounds become hard to differentiate
- Difficulty following women’s and children’s voices compared to men’s lower voices
- Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears (tinnitus) — often accompanies SNHL
- Need to increase television or radio volume
- Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
If you recognize two or more of these symptoms, a comprehensive hearing evaluation is the important next step. No matter what degree of hearing loss you have, our team can help.
How Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss Diagnosed?
A comprehensive hearing evaluation at New River Valley Hearing & Balance distinguishes sensorineural hearing loss from other types through a combination of:
Pure-tone audiometry — tests hearing sensitivity across a range of pitches and volumes, conducted in our soundproof testing booths at both the Radford and Floyd offices
Bone conduction testing — if bone conduction and air conduction results are equally reduced, this confirms the hearing loss is sensorineural rather than conductive
Speech recognition testing — measures how clearly you understand speech in quiet and in noise, which directly guides hearing aid selection and programming
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing — detects sounds generated by the inner ear to check the function of the hair cells specifically
Otoscopic examination — a visual inspection of the ear canal and eardrum to check for earwax buildup or other visible issues before testing begins
Medical and case history review — identifying risk factors, noise exposure history, medication use, and family history to guide diagnosis and treatment planning
Hearing loss is measured as mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, or profound. Once we know your degree of loss, we will talk through your listening lifestyle and hearing goals and build a plan around both.
Treatment and Management Options
Hearing Aids Hearing aids are the primary and most effective treatment for sensorineural hearing loss. Modern digital hearing aids do far more than simply make sounds louder — they analyze and process sound in real time, suppressing background noise, enhancing speech clarity, and adapting automatically to different listening environments.
Cochlear Implants (Referral) For individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit sufficiently from hearing aids, cochlear implants may be an option. We can assess your suitability and coordinate a referral to the appropriate specialist.
Assistive Listening Devices Amplified telephones, TV streaming accessories, personal amplifiers, and alerting devices can supplement hearing aids and improve daily communication in specific situations.
Tinnitus Management Many people with sensorineural hearing loss also experience tinnitus ringing, buzzing, or hissing that can be exhausting to live with. Addressing the underlying hearing loss with hearing aids, particularly those with built-in tinnitus therapy features, frequently reduces tinnitus perception significantly.
Balance & Dizziness Evaluation The inner ear is home to both the hearing and balance centers and sensorineural conditions often affect both. As an AIB-certified Center of Specialty Care, New River Valley Hearing & Balance offers comprehensive vestibular and neurodiagnostic testing for patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo, BPPV, vestibular migraine, or unsteadiness alongside their hearing loss. This is a level of integrated care that sets us apart from standard audiology practices.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Research consistently shows that the sooner hearing loss is identified and treated, the better the outcomes for hearing clarity, brain health, and social connection. The brain adapts to sound deprivation over time, and prolonged untreated hearing loss can make it harder to readjust to amplified sound even after hearing aids are fitted. Untreated hearing loss has also been linked to increased risk of cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation. Don’t wait.
New River Valley Hearing & Balance is also a credentialed Veterans Community Care Provider. If you are a veteran experiencing hearing loss, we are proud to serve you and can work within the VA Community Care network to support your hearing health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Hearing loss does not have to define your daily life. If you’ve noticed changes or simply want reassurance about your hearing health, the team at New River Valley Hearing & Balance is here to help.
Call 540-731-4327 or schedule your visit today.