Differential Diagnosis for Sensoryneural Hearing Loss
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Presbycusis: This is the most common cause of sensoryneural hearing loss, particularly in individuals over the age of 65. It is a gradual loss of hearing due to aging, affecting high-frequency sounds first.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to sensoryneural hearing loss. This is common in individuals who work with loud machinery or frequently attend loud music events.
- Ototoxicity: Certain medications, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and cisplatin, can be toxic to the inner ear, causing sensoryneural hearing loss.
- Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing, leading to episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect the auditory nerve, leading to sensoryneural hearing loss, among other neurological symptoms.
- Syphilis: A bacterial infection that can cause sensoryneural hearing loss if left untreated, particularly in its late stages.
Rare Diagnoses
- Usher Syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes both hearing and vision loss, often diagnosed in childhood.
- Pendred Syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes early hearing loss and thyroid problems.
- Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease: A rare condition where the immune system attacks the inner ear, leading to sudden hearing loss.
- Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: A rare condition where a small hole in the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal leads to hearing and balance symptoms.