Which statement describes sensorineural hearing loss?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement describes sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs from problems in the inner ear or the auditory nerve, not in the outer or middle ear. The statement that best describes it says the loss originates in the inner ear or beyond and tends to slope to higher frequencies, meaning high-frequency hearing is more affected than low-frequency hearing. This sloping pattern reflects damage to the cochlear hair cells in the basal (high-frequency) region, which is common with aging (presbycusis) or noise exposure. In contrast, a loss described as originating in the outer ear would be conductive, and a flat loss isn’t specific to SNHL and can occur with other types. SNHL also spans a wide range of severities, from mild to profound, so it isn’t limited to a mild loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs from problems in the inner ear or the auditory nerve, not in the outer or middle ear. The statement that best describes it says the loss originates in the inner ear or beyond and tends to slope to higher frequencies, meaning high-frequency hearing is more affected than low-frequency hearing. This sloping pattern reflects damage to the cochlear hair cells in the basal (high-frequency) region, which is common with aging (presbycusis) or noise exposure. In contrast, a loss described as originating in the outer ear would be conductive, and a flat loss isn’t specific to SNHL and can occur with other types. SNHL also spans a wide range of severities, from mild to profound, so it isn’t limited to a mild loss.

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