What it is
Hearing loss can come and go at first but may become permanent over time.
Medicines for vertigo and sickness, reducing salt, balance therapy and, rarely, procedures can help. Hearing aids help with hearing loss.
Common signs
- Sudden attacks of vertigo
- Hearing loss that comes and goes
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
- Feeling sick during attacks
How it is usually diagnosed
- Hearing tests
- Balance tests
- MRI scan to rule out other causes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Audiograms over time
- A diary of attacks
- ENT letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- How can I manage attacks?
- Will my hearing get worse?
- Is it safe for me to drive?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Vertigo with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, double vision or a severe headache: call 112, it may be a stroke
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.