Which condition is characterized by gradual but progressive sensorineural hearing loss?

Meniere's disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness in the ear, primarily affecting one ear. One of its hallmark features is the gradual but progressive sensorineural hearing loss that occurs due to fluctuating pressure in the inner ear. Over time, repeated episodes can lead to permanent damage to the auditory system, resulting in increased severity of hearing loss. The progressive nature of this hearing loss distinguishes it as a primary concern in Meniere's disease, making it a key aspect of the condition that clinicians need to monitor.

While other conditions like tinnitus, acoustic neuroma, and otosclerosis may also involve hearing loss, they either do not primarily manifest as gradual progressive loss or have additional symptoms that define them differently from Meniere's disease. For example, tinnitus is often a symptom rather than a standalone condition, acoustic neuroma generally represents a tumor growth leading to specific patterns of hearing loss, and otosclerosis typically results in conductive hearing loss rather than sensorineural hearing loss. Therefore, Meniere's disease is the most accurate choice among the options provided for describing gradual, progressive sensorineural hearing loss.