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.

Causes

Sensorineural deafness can be present at birth (congenital), or it can develop later in life (acquired) as a result of:

• Disease of the blood vessels (vascular disease)
• Immune disease
• Infections
• Injury
• Meniere's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Use of certain medicines
• Tumor

In some cases, the cause is unknown.

Alternative Names

Nerve deafness