From the Guidelines
Presbycusis is an example of sensorineural hearing loss. This condition is characterized by progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss associated with the process of aging in persons ≥50 years old, as stated in the clinical practice guideline on age-related hearing loss 1. 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. The guideline highlights that age-related hearing loss is typically a symmetric and gradual process, influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and is multifactorial in nature.
Some key points about sensorineural hearing loss include:
- It is typically permanent, though hearing aids or cochlear implants may help manage the condition
- It can result from various causes, including age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), noise-induced hearing loss, certain medications, viral infections, and genetic factors
- The guideline recommends screening patients aged 50 years and older for hearing loss at the time of a health care encounter 1
- Clinicians should evaluate and treat or refer to a clinician who can evaluate and treat patients with significant asymmetric hearing loss, conductive or mixed hearing loss, or poor word recognition on diagnostic testing 1
In contrast, options a, b, and c are not examples of sensorineural hearing loss. Perforation of the tympanic membrane (a) and otosclerosis (b) are examples of conductive hearing loss, which involves the outer or middle ear. Cholesteatoma (c) is a type of skin cyst that can cause conductive hearing loss by interfering with the middle ear's function. Presbycusis, on the other hand, is a clear example of sensorineural hearing loss, as it is caused by the degeneration of hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss 1.
From the Research
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs due to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve [(2,3,4,5,6)].
- It can be caused by various factors, including age-related degeneration, environmental factors, and genetic factors [(3,4)].
- Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is an example of sensorineural hearing loss [(2,3,4,5,6)].
- It is characterized by a progressive, bilateral, and symmetrical hearing loss that affects the high frequencies of hearing 4.
- Presbycusis can have a significant impact on cognitive, emotional, and social function in older adults, and can be associated with social isolation, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline [(3,4,5,6)].
Comparison with Other Options
- Perforation of the tympanic membrane is an example of conductive hearing loss, not sensorineural hearing loss 2.
- Otosclerosis is also a type of conductive hearing loss 2.
- Cholesteatoma is a type of conductive hearing loss that occurs due to a skin cyst in the middle ear 2.
- Presbycusis is the correct answer, as it is a type of sensorineural hearing loss [(2,3,4,5,6)].