Vertigo or spinning type of dizziness can be caused by different disorders, and these disorders are mainly classified as central and peripheral. Central disorders are to do with issues in the brainstem or the brain, while in peripheral disorders the balance organ or inner ear is affected. Here are some of the main disorders that cause vertigo and hearing loss.
Meniere’s disease
This disease progressively affects the hearing and balance parts of the inner ear. Patients suffering from this disease experience severe bouts of vertigo, pressure in the ear, ringing sounds, and deafness. The cause of this disease is still unknown; however, experts believe it could be brought on by factors causing damage to the inner ear or when the pressure of endolymphatic sac fluid increases. Bout of vertigo can last from half an hour to an entire day. Meniere’s disease can be managed by lowering sodium levels in the diet, reducing stress, eliminating alcohol and caffeine, and steroid injections.
Labyrinthitis
This condition causes severe imbalance or bout of vertigo that can last for two to three weeks. Symptoms can occur suddenly, and they can be caused with or without any movements. The patient will experience ringing in one ear or hearing loss. Labyrinthitis is caused by a virus infecting the inner ear. Since it is a viral infection there are no certain treatment options. However, medications can reduce symptoms of vertigo and nausea, and injections of intratympanic steroids given behind the ear drum can reduce risk of hearing loss over a long term.
Acoustic Neuroma
People suffering from acoustic neuroma will experience vertigo and sudden loss of hearing, ringing in one ear, or partial or total loss in one ear. Symptoms can occur gradually or suddenly, and duration of vertigo can vary greatly. There is no known cause for the tumor, but genetics, and long exposures to loud noises could be factors contributing to this condition. Treatment will depend on the age of the patient, other health issues, and the size of the tumor.
Perilymph Fistula
This condition will cause episodic bouts of vertigo that can last for few seconds or minutes, and fluctuating hearing loss. Perilymph Fistula is caused when the fluid in the inner ear leaks due to sudden changes in outside pressure like while scuba diving or while riding on a plane. Injury to the head can also cause this condition. Surgery is the only treatment option, as the areas where the leakage occurs have to be patched up with ear tissues.
Superior Canal Dehiscence
This condition brings on intermittent vertigo and is associated with hearing loss. Loud noises or certain movements can cause the symptoms, and even though the bout of vertigo does not last long, this issue lasts quite long. Again, treatment option is only surgery, as the hole in the superior canal needs to be patched up.
Vertigo related to Migraine
In this disorder, patients become sensitive to sound, light, or motion and they could experience constant or episodic bouts of vertigo. Patients might experience difficulty staring at computer or TV monitors, or become dizzy while in motion. The vertigo in such cases could be linked to ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, fluctuating loss of hearing, and ear pressure. Vertigo could last for a few minutes or even continue for several months. Symptoms can be brought on by changes in sleep patterns, stress, skipping meals, or certain foods like cheeses, MSG, chocolate, red wine, and canned meats. Treatment options will be for managing stress, modifications in diet, and improving sleep. Medication is also given to reduce symptoms.