What is a characterizing feature of sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss is characterized by damage to the inner ear structures (such as the cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways that transmit sound signals to the brain. This type of hearing loss can result from a variety of factors, including noise exposure, aging, genetic predisposition, and certain medical conditions. One key aspect of sensorineural hearing loss is that it often cannot be medically corrected or reversed because it involves permanent changes to the inner ear or auditory nerve, unlike other types of hearing loss that may be due to more treatable conditions. Understanding the etiology of sensorineural hearing loss helps in determining the appropriate interventions and assistive devices, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, which can improve the patient's ability to hear despite the underlying damage.