Semin Hear 2018; 39(04): 347-348
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1670701
Preface
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Consequences and Treatment Options for Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss

Guest Editor
Jessica J. Messersmith
1   Communication Disorder, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
26 October 2018 (online)

Through my interactions with individuals with severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss, I have seen the dramatic impact this severity of loss can have on communication, social interactions, and emotional well-being. I've also seen the dramatic shift that can occur in an individual with this severity of hearing loss after they receive appropriate audiologic care: the sense of humor, the interactions with friends and family, and the return to their “old” personality. The treatment of severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss has evolved through the years and I believe this evolution has contributed to the degree of positive outcomes we see in patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss today.

This degree of sensorineural hearing loss results from anatomical damage to cochlear structures and has physiologic and perceptual consequences. The impact of a severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss can be seen across multiple levels of the auditory system: from peripheral spiral ganglion cells to central structures. Although patterns exist, the causes and consequences of severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss can vary among individuals with this degree of hearing loss. The variations in audiologic test results and performance outcomes which reflect the causes and consequences of severe-to-profound hearing loss often impact formation of the audiologic treatment plan.

Fortunately, a range of treatment options for this degree of hearing loss exist today. This allows audiologists to consider the individual, hearing and health history, and personal goals when developing treatment plans. The articles provided in this edition of Seminars in Hearing provide a summary of the current evidence for the anatomic, physiologic, and perceptual consequences of and multiple treatment options for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Hopefully, the concepts shared will assist audiologists, researchers, and students in their understanding of severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss as well as assist audiologists in developing treatment plans for their patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss.