Tinnitus With Vertigo: How To Get Help

Tinnitus and vertigo together can make you feel lightheaded. For many, this combination causes uncomfortable sensations that can disrupt everyday life. But you don’t have to live with these symptoms forever. There are ways to get help and manage these conditions effectively.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to get help when experiencing both conditions at the same time. We’ll also explore professional options such as seeing an audiologist tinnitus expert to relieve dizziness and suggest other treatments.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in one or both ears that doesn’t have an external source. Approximately half of Canadian men and women experience tinnitus temporarily after exposure to noisy environments. Some deal with it persistently.

Tinnitus can result from a range of causes, including:

• Hearing loss

• Exposure to loud noise

• Ear infections

• Neck and head injuries

For others, it may develop due to a rare inner ear problem, bringing symptoms from mild to severe conditions. This constant noise can lead to stress, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.

To learn more about tinnitus symptoms and whether it goes away without treatment, read our article about when tinnitus may resolve on its own.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the sensation of feeling dizzy or that the room around you is spinning, even when you’re standing still. Unlike simple dizziness, vertigo can significantly affect your balance and make daily activities, like walking or driving, difficult.

Vertigo is not a condition by itself but a symptom that often points to an underlying issue with the inner ear or brain. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. When this system is disrupted due to certain underlying conditions (which we will discuss below)—it can lead to vertigo attacks.

In Canada, over six million experience vestibular problems, triggered by sudden movements or changes in the body’s position. This leads to chronic imbalance issues and problems performing basic daily activities.

What Is the Connection Between Tinnitus and Vertigo?

Tinnitus and vertigo are both connected to the inner ear’s function. The inner ear houses structures responsible for both hearing and balance. Any disruption, like fluid pressure or damage to the vestibular nerve, can result in both tinnitus and vertigo symptoms.

In cases where the affected ear experiences an increase in fluid pressure or inflammation, you might feel dizzy alongside the ringing in your ear. Having these two conditions together isn’t very common and can lead to a more serious disorder if not treated.

What Is Ménière’s Disease?

One common cause of both tinnitus and vertigo is Meniere’s disease, a chronic condition that affects the inner ear. This disease often leads to recurring vertigo attacks, tinnitus, and in some cases, permanent hearing loss.

Meniere’s disease is believed to stem from a buildup of extra fluid in the inner ear, affecting balance and hearing. Vertigo episodes, hearing loss in only one ear, and a feeling of fullness in the ear are the main symptoms. It’s a frustrating condition with no exact cause, but lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments can help control vertigo and manage symptoms.

Other Diseases That Can Cause Tinnitus and Vertigo

While Meniere’s disease is a well-known cause of tinnitus and vertigo, other medical conditions can lead to similar symptoms. Here are a few:

Brain Tumors

Tumors affecting the vestibular nerve or balance organs can cause both tinnitus and vertigo. Although rare, these growths can affect the ear canal and lead to hearing issues or balance problems.

Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct

An enlarged vestibular aqueduct is a rare inner ear condition that can lead to hearing loss and balance issues. This structural issue affects the fluid balance in the inner ear, contributing to vertigo symptoms.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an infection of the inner ear’s labyrinth, leading to inflammation, tinnitus, and vertigo. It can also cause balance issues and hearing loss, making it a difficult condition to manage without medical help.

Migraines

Migraine headaches can sometimes come with symptoms like vertigo and tinnitus. These are known as vestibular migraines and can affect one or both ears, making it feel like the world is spinning.

Non-Cancerous Growths

Non-cancerous growths, such as acoustic neuromas, can affect the vestibular nerve, leading to tinnitus and vertigo. These benign tumours can cause hearing loss and may require otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a disease of the middle ear that can cause tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss. This condition affects the tiny bones in the ear called the ossicles, leading to hearing impairment.

Usher Syndrome

Usher syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects both hearing and balance. Over time, this condition can lead to significant hearing loss, and the accompanying vertigo can be severe.

How Tinnitus with Vertigo Is Treated

Treating tinnitus and vertigo depends on the underlying cause, but they often focus on managing both tinnitus and vertigo separately, and Audiologists typically refer the patient to their primary doctor for further testing and medical interventions. Here’s an overview of common treatments:

For Meniere’s Disease

Lifestyle changes such as incorporating a low-sodium diet and limiting caffeine or alcohol can help reduce fluid retention, which may reduce symptoms. Below are certain medications to ease symptoms:

• Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear.

• Antihistamines: Like Meclizine, which help with vertigo.

• Benzodiazepines: Such as diazepam to manage severe dizziness.

• Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation and pressure.

Surgery such as endolymphatic sac decompression or vestibular nerve sectioning usually only apply to severe cases. Always consult a healthcare professional when weighing your options.

For Vestibular Migraine

Similar to traditional migraine treatments, medications like triptans or beta-blockers may be used. Other approaches involve vestibular rehabilitation therapy which incorporates exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness.

Dietary changes such as avoiding known migraine triggers (chocolate, caffeine, etc.) can help. Preventive medications like certain antidepressants or anticonvulsants can be prescribed for long-term management.

For Labyrinthitis

If the condition is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, appropriate medication will be prescribed, such as antibiotics or antivirals. For vestibular suppressants, medications like antihistamines, Meclizine, or diazepam can help manage dizziness during an acute episode.

General Treatments for Tinnitus

If hearing loss is present, hearing aids can amplify external sounds to reduce tinnitus perception. Hearing aid providers like Bloor Hearing Clinic can help you every step of the way to better hearing. They offer treatments for hearing loss.

Lifestyle Modifications

Tinnitus and vertigo are often worsened by stress, so techniques like relaxation therapy, yoga, or mindfulness may help. Dietary changes such as reducing salt, caffeine, and alcohol may alleviate symptoms.

What You Can Do To Alleviate Tinnitus and Vertigo

These are common medical interventions:

Do’s:

• Follow a low-salt diet to reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear.

• Engage in vestibular rehabilitation to improve balance.

• Practice relaxation techniques like tai chi or yoga to reduce stress.

• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.

• Use water pills (diuretics) if prescribed to reduce inner ear fluid pressure.

Don’ts:

• Avoid loud noise exposure to prevent further damage to the affected ear.

• Refrain from sudden movements that may trigger vertigo episodes.

• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, as these can worsen symptoms.

• Don’t skip hearing tests; regular checks help monitor hearing loss progression.

How an Audiologist Can Help

An audiologist plays a large role in diagnosing and managing tinnitus and vertigo. They can conduct a hearing test to assess hearing loss and other communication disorders that might be contributing to your symptoms. Identifying the root cause of your condition is an important step in determining treatment approaches.

Audiologists can also refer you to your primary doctor or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) for further testing, such as MRI scans, to rule out other medical conditions like brain tumors.

In some cases, joining support groups or seeking advice from the Vestibular Disorders Association can also be beneficial.

Overall, with the right medical care and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage tinnitus with vertigo so it doesn’t cause too many problems and affect your daily life.