sensorineural

adjective

sen·​so·​ri·​neu·​ral ˌsen(t)s-rē-ˈnu̇r-əl How to pronounce sensorineural (audio)
-ˈnyu̇r-
: of, relating to, or involving the aspects of sense perception mediated by nerves
sensorineural hearing loss

Examples of sensorineural in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One possibility is sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which affects the inner ear. — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Kwan is hard of hearing due to bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and relies on hearing aids and lip-reading to communicate. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 1 June 2026 She was also diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, an effect of Usher syndrome, as a baby. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 Ben was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss in both ears at birth. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensorineural

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensorineural was in 1929

Rhymes for sensorineural

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Browse Nearby Words

sensorimotor
sensorineural
sensorium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensorineural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensorineural. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

sensorineural

adjective
sen·​so·​ri·​neu·​ral -ˈn(y)u̇r-əl How to pronounce sensorineural (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving the aspects of sense perception mediated by nerves
sensorineural hearing loss
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