This means that it is caused by problems of the nervous system in the inner ear. People with sensorineural hearing loss generally do not suffer from total deafness. They may have trouble understanding the speech of others while being very sensitive to loud sounds. The person may hear clicking, ringing or hissing noises. The loss occurs bilaterally and symmetrically.
Central deafness is caused by damage to the hearing centers in the brain and is quite rare.
The person with central deafness can hear normally but has difficulty understanding what is heard. Sensorineural hearing loss can be a result of changes that come with age, environmental noise and some medications, specifically Aspirin. Central deafness is attributed to stroke, lengthy high fever or a blow to the head. Medical Self-care for Healthy Aging. Healthwise Inc., 1992.