Dizziness and low frequency tinnitus?

[Lisa99]

I am a 51-year-old woman. I have been experiencing some dizziness and what seems to be inner ear issues.

Last summer while in a hoop dancing class I began to experience more than normal dizziness with even the mildest turns. It has not resolved. In recent months I get a mild and fairly brief bout of dizziness when I look up (head back) and sometimes when I bend over (not a blood pressure type dizziness). In the last several weeks I have an occasional strong tickling sensation, similar to the inner ear feeling when contracting a cold, but it seems closer to my eardrum. Finally, in the past few weeks I've been hearing what I thought was a neighbor's stereo bass output that I couldn't escape; sometimes for hours, sometimes intermittent. I just realized while sitting quietly that taking a short breath seemed to briefly stop it..........and that shaking my head in various ways affects it too.

Can anyone tell me what is going on, and whether I should see my GP?

[Lisa99]

beachcomber13,

Very good point about writing down the specifics; I would not have thought of that. I will do that before my upcoming appointment. Thank you!

-Lisa99

[Lisa99]

Thank you for your response, Dr. Mathur. I didn't realize that there could be so many different causes. It does make sense to see an ENT..... I'll be getting an ENT recommendation from my general practitioner. I appreciate the information - thanks again!

-Lisa99

[beachcomber13]

Welcome to the hearing loss community!

You should see an ENT about the dizziness. It would probably be worth bringing up the bass sound, as well.

Before you go to the ENT, take a few days to write down exactly when it happens and what you were doing. Also write down how bad it was, if the severity varies. That information will help the doctor understand what is going on and think of possible causes.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
BC

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
If ear is the cause of vertigo (rotator movement of self or environment) and tinnitus then it could be due to benign positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuronitis and labyrinthitis. Other causes of dizziness are otitis media, trauma, side effects of drugs, TMJ, and fluid in ear. All these causes will have to be ruled out one by one by your ENT through specialized test. If it is blocked Eustachian tube, then doing a valsalva maneuver (Done by taking a deep breath and blowing while pinching your nostrils and closing your mouth) will help. This will help clear the secretions in the tube that connects the back of your throat with your ear. Take care!