The most prevalent form of hearing impairment is nerve deafness, or sensorineural hearing loss. This loss is the result of an abnormality of the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or both. It is also a common part of the aging process. A high percentage of adult hearing losses are sensorineural and are not usually medically or surgically treatable. The percentage is lower in children because they are more prone to ear infections, producing fluctuating conductive hearing losses. The difference between sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss is that, in most cases, one is treatable and the other is not. Also, those with sensorineural loss will have more difficulty understanding speech, whereas the person with a conductive loss can understand speech very well as long as it is loud. This is because there is simply an interruption in transmission of sound that does not involve the auditory nerve. When the auditory nerve becomes involved, the loss becomes a permanent condition that is only treatable by means of amplification.

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the term "nerve deafness." Patients are often told they cannot be treated and that hearing aids will not help. The truth is 95 percent of all hearing instrument wearers have a sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing instruments are so well designed and manufactured today, that even those types of hearing losses considered "difficult-to-fit" may be improved.

If you have been told that you have "nerve deafness", further audiological testing can be done by an audiologist to determine the best type and model of hearing aid for you. If you have a hearing loss in both ears, the audiologist can also tell you if you should wear two hearing aids. Once the testing is completed, the audiologist will provide you with the recommended hearing aid (or aids). Federal regulation prohibits any hearing aid sale unless the buyer has first received a medical evaluation from a licensed physician. However, if you are at least 18 years old, you can sign a form that says you are fully aware of your rights but choose not to have the medical evaluation. Then, you can buy the hearing aid without seeing a physician. For people less than 18 years of age, waiver of the medical evaluation is not permitted. 

If someone tells you that because you have nerve deafness, you cannot be helped, take heart in knowing that is not true. Maker sure you get a second opinion. Your physician can have you referred to a local audiologist

Hearing instruments will not cure a sensorineural hearing loss, just as a pair of eyeglasses will not cure poor vision, but they will certainly improve your condition and give you an opportunity to actively get back into life.