What is nerve deaf?

Nerve deafness, also known as sensorineural hearing loss, occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathways that transmit sound signals to the brain. This type of hearing loss can result from various factors, including aging, exposure to loud noises, infections, or genetic conditions. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which can often be treated with surgery or hearing aids, nerve deafness typically requires hearing aids or cochlear implants for management. It is usually permanent and can vary in severity.