Final answer:
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways to the brain and can result from factors like aging, infections, trauma, and noise exposure. Treatment may involve cochlear implants, which stimulate the auditory nerve directly. Prevention is crucial in high-risk noise environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathway from the inner ear to the brain. This condition can result from a variety of factors including aging, head trauma, infections, exposure to loud noise, and certain diseases such as measles or mumps. Additionally, sensorineural hearing loss can be attributed to inner ear structural degeneration, as seen in Ménière's disease which includes symptoms like tinnitus, vertigo and pressure within the inner ear.
Treatment options for sensorineural hearing loss are limited but may include the use of cochlear implants for those who are candidates. These electronic devices bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, thereby sending sound information to the brain. Environmental factors such as regular exposure to loud music or construction equipment can also contribute to sensorineural hearing loss emphasizing the importance of hearing protection in high-risk environments.