Hearing plays a vital role in communication, relationships, and overall quality of life. When adults begin to notice difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments, it may be a sign of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) . This is the most common type of permanent hearing loss and often develops gradually over time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore sensorineural hearing loss causes, risk factors, symptoms, and the most effective sensorineural hearing loss treatment options available today. What Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss? Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways that send sound signals to the brain. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which involves problems in the outer or middle ear, SNHL typically results from nerve-related damage and is usually permanent. Adults with this condition may hear sounds but struggle to understand speech clearly. Words may seem muffled, dis...