Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, with restricted hearing on the contralateral side digital illustration

Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, with restricted hearing on the contralateral side Save


ICD-10 code: H90.A2

Chapter: Diseases of the ear and mastoid process

Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, with restricted hearing on the contralateral side: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common types of hearing loss, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which can be the result of aging, exposure to loud noise, or certain medical conditions. Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) is a type of hearing loss that affects one ear, while the other ear has normal hearing. When the hearing on the contralateral side is restricted, it is called asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASHL).

Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Unilateral, with Restricted Hearing on the Contralateral Side

There are several possible causes of sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, with restricted hearing on the contralateral side. Some of the most common causes include:

  1. Genetic factors
  2. Aging
  3. Exposure to loud noise
  4. Head trauma or injury
  5. Tumors or growths in the ear or brain
  6. Autoimmune disorders
  7. Infections, such as meningitis or measles
Symptoms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Unilateral, with Restricted Hearing on the Contralateral Side

The symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms of USNHL and ASHL include:

  • Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
  • Muffled or distorted sounds
  • Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds
  • Difficulty understanding speech, especially in group settings
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the affected ear)
Treatment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Unilateral, with Restricted Hearing on the Contralateral Side

There is no cure for sensorineural hearing loss, but there are several treatment options that can help manage the symptoms. Some common treatments for USNHL and ASHL include:

  1. Hearing aids - These devices amplify sound and can help improve hearing in the affected ear.
  2. Cochlear implants - For severe cases, a cochlear implant may be recommended. This device is surgically implanted in the ear and can help bypass damaged parts of the inner ear to improve hearing.
  3. Surgery - In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove tumors or growths that are causing hearing loss.