Inner Ear Disease
WHAT IS INNER EAR DISEASE?
The inner ear is made up of two parts - the
hearing organ (cochlea) and the the
balance system (vestibular system).
Malfunction (disease) may occur in one or both of
the systems.
Disease of the cochlea can cause:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (noise)
- Feeling of fullness/pressure in the ear
Disease of the balance system can cause:
- Unsteadiness, wooziness, or dizziness
- Vertigo (a feeling that you or your
environment is turning or tumbling).
- Associated nausea or vomiting
Pain is not a symptom
of inner ear disease.
Most Common Inner Ear
Conditions
Viral Labyrinthitis
Viral infection of the inner ear that causes the
sudden onset of spinning dizziness that lasts for
several hours to days. Followed by a period of
unsteadiness that gradually resolves over several
weeks.
Benign positional vertigo
Spinning sensation lasting for several seconds,
brought on by changed in position, especially lying
down. Gradually resolves over 1 - 2 months, but
recovery can be aided by using exercises and inner
ear repositioning maneuvers that can be performed by
an ENT specialist.
Meniere’s disease (endolymphatic
hydrops)
Recurring episodes of dizziness (spinning)
lasting for several hours associated with fullness
and/or ringing in the ears. Nausea and vomiting are
also seen. The hearing decreases with an acute
episode and gradually returns. Its recurrent nature
makes it the most distressing of all inner ear
conditions.
WHAT CAUSES
MENIERE'S DISEASE?
The delicate nerve tissue in the inner ear floats in
a liquid medium, which is constantly being secreted
and then reabsorbed. To the best of our knowledge,
the problem is caused by reduced absorption of fluid
with the membranes becoming distended and the nerve
tissues irritated, causing the symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER ASSOCIATED CAUSES OF
DIZZINESS?
Other associated causes of dizziness, more often
characterized as light-headedness or near passing
out episodes, are numerous. Foremost among these are
cardiovascular problems, although elevated
cholesterol and triglycerides, hormonal imbalance
and autoimmune diseases can also be associated with
balance problems.
Once it is ascertained that there is an inner ear
dysfunction, it is appropriate to then look more
systemically beyond the inner ear for the cause.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
Initially, medications for symptomatic relief are
prescribed, such as motion sickness and anti-nausea
medications. Diuretics to correct the fluid
imbalances, and a low sodium diet are central to the
treatment of recurrent inner ear problems. Rarely,
surgery is indicated for refractory causes of
Meniere's disease. Aggressive therapy for any
identifiable systemic or general metabolic or
circulatory imbalances will also be implemented,
with the help of a family physician.
Our primary concern in evaluating and treating inner
ear disease is to ensure that there is not an
underlying, serious, possible life-threatening
problem. We will follow you periodically in the
office the assess your hearing, which may be a risk
with inner ear disease. More aggressive treatment
may be indicted if there is progressive hearing
loss. |
