Sensorineural deafness is decreased hearing or hearing loss that occurs from damage to the inner ear, the nerve that runs from the ear to the brain (auditory nerve), or the brain.
For more information, see the article on hearing loss.
Sensorineural deafness can be present at birth (congenital), or it can develop later in life (acquired) as a result of:
In some cases, the cause is unknown.
Nerve deafness