Sensorineural hearing

Definition

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. It is characterized by a reduction in sound level or the ability to hear faint sounds and often affects the clarity of speech.

Related terms

Cochlea: The spiral-shaped cavity of the inner ear which plays a key role in converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses.

Auditory Nerve: The nerve that carries signals from the cochlea in the inner ear to the brain, enabling hearing.

Tinnitus: A condition often associated with sensorineural hearing loss, characterized by ringing or other noises in one or both ears