What does "sensorineural" indicate regarding hearing loss?

"Sensorineural" refers specifically to hearing loss that arises from damage to the inner ear structures or the auditory nerve itself. This type of hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the hair cells in the cochlea or the pathways that transmit sound signals to the brain. Such damage often leads to a permanent reduction in hearing sensitivity and clarity, unlike other types of hearing loss that may be caused by obstructions or infections in various parts of the ear.

In contrast, hearing loss related to outer ear obstruction refers to issues such as earwax buildup or physical blockages that impede sound from reaching the inner parts of the ear. Temporary and reversible hearing loss typically relates to conditions such as middle ear infections or fluid retention in the Eustachian tube, which can affect sound conduction. Lastly, middle ear infections can lead to conductive hearing loss, which differs from sensorineural loss as it involves issues in the transmission of sound through the outer or middle ear rather than damage to the inner ear or auditory pathways. Thus, the correct definition of sensorineural hearing loss centers on the impact on the inner ear or auditory nerve, affirming option B as the appropriate choice.