sensorineural hearing loss, a form of hearing loss in which sound is conducted normally through the external and middle ear but a defect in the inner ear or auditory nerve results in hearing loss. Sound discrimination may or may not be affected. Amplification of the sound with a hearing aid will help many people with sensorineural hearing loss; if a person demonstrates an intolerance to loud noises, the hearing aid must be adjusted properly to prevent discomfort. Compare conductive hearing loss.
