What is the term for hearing loss due to damage to the hair cells of the cochlea?

The term for hearing loss that occurs as a result of damage to the hair cells of the cochlea is referred to as sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing impairment arises from issues within the inner ear, specifically in the cochlea where the hair cells, responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals for the brain, become damaged or degenerate. Such damage can be caused by various factors, including exposure to loud noises, aging, infections, or certain medications.

Sensorineural hearing loss is characterized by a reduced ability to hear faint sounds and difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments. It is different from other types of hearing loss, such as conductive hearing loss, which involves problems in the outer or middle ear that can prevent sound from being transmitted properly to the inner ear. The distinction is important because sensorineural damage is often permanent and may require compensatory strategies, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, while conductive hearing loss may be treatable.