Hearing/verdigo problem

[Jeanne405]

One morning, 6 weeks ago, I woke up with the following symtoms:  ears felt plugged, light headedness, lots of pressure in my ears, some aching in the ears. Waited several days, when it did not clear up (I had not been sick in a year), went to my Dr.  He thought I had fluid behind my eardrums, put me on antihistamine.  Did not help.  My hearing, especially in one ear is distorted, Loud sounds (and certain pitches) really bother me.  Tried antibiotic a week later, didn't help.  Sent me to a specialist.  Had a hearing test, which showed a deficit in my left ear (one frequency I cannot hear well).  Tried steroids for 10 days.  Didn't do a thing.  Had a head MRI, normal.  Dr. said nothing he can do for me.  Condition may not go away ever.  Thinks it may be inflamation caused by a virus.  I am not satisfied with the "nothing can be done" answer.  Looking for additional opinions, advice, direction.  What is wrong with me and what can I do to help myself get better?

[Nancy T]

A neurotologist is an ENT with extra training in the inner ear and its connections with the brain. You can find a list at the American Neurotology Society Web site in its membership section (although some of those people are not ENTs but might be PhDs or neurologists, call the person's office to find out). Also the Vestibular Disorders Association Web site.

However, at this point even a neurotologist might not be able to help you. Sorry to be negative, but with sudden hearing loss I believe most recovery would have already occurred by six weeks. However, a neurotologist might be able to help with the lightheadedness--they are experts in dizziness. On the other hand, if you indeed had vestibular neuritis (inflammation of the nerve), your lightheadedness will likely go away on its own in a matter of weeks or possibly a few months. Be sure to stay as active as you can without provoking severe symptoms. STaying active gives your brain the movement inputs it needs to "compensate" for the viral damage. If you do not get better in a matter of weeks, ask whether vestibular rehab therapy would be helpful for you (it's specialized physical therapy for dizzy people).

[Jeanne405]

Are you suffering now from the condition?  How long has it been?  And, has a doctor been able to give you any hope of improvement of the condition? Or anything you can do to help yourself feel better.  I am lightheaded every waking minute and my hearing distortion is so frustrating.

[Jeanne405]

The specialist I saw was an ENT.  But you mentioned someone who specializes also in "neurotology."  Is this an even more specialized ENT...if so I am thinking I should get another opinion, and from someone who specializes in "neurotogy" as well.

[Apicius]

Hi. I agree with Nancy T. You should see an ENT doctor. Some of what happened to you sounds like what happened to me. It's possible you have labyrinthitis at best, Meniere's Disease at worst. But you need to see an ENT doctor or even two to get a firm diagnosis.

[Nancy T]

If you have not recovered your hearing in six weeks, chances are good that you won't. The diagnosis (viral inflammation as the cause of your hearing loss) sounds like the likely one. Ask your ear specialist what the possibilities are, see an audiologist to see whether a hearing aid would help.

Make sure you've seen an ENT who SPECIALIZES in the ear (otology or, preferably, neuro-otology) for the most expert help.