Hi, this forum seems to be full of folks who've done a lot of research and I would appreciate any thoughts you can provide on possible diagnosis / causes of my condition.
In 2006, I woke up to complete deafness in L ear. This cleared with hiss 4 hrs later. Doctor had no idea what this could be. Since then I have had tinnitus, first intermittently, then constant, then intermittent again (after betahistine prescription). It's a high pitch, variable volume but not affecting my sanity!
In 2011 I had 2 attacks of severe rotational vertigo, 2 hours and 12 hours in duration; 3 months apart. These did not coincide with hearing loss or increased tinnitus. Both diagnosed as vestibular neuronitis.
I had balance issues thereafter but after 6 weeks, my balance was 95% restored (apart from a tendency to fall left into doorways).
After these attacks I had deafness "attacks" with aural fullness about every 3 months, lasting about 2 weeks. I would lose about 50% of hearing in L ear. No dizziness at all with these attacks.
As a result I went to an ENT consultant in 2012 who diagnosed endolymphatic hydrops, "probable Menieres". I showed some upper register hearing loss in L ear. I was prescribed betahistine (16mg x 3 per day) and since then have had no more deafness attacks (or vertigo) except the 3 occasions when I have tried to come off or reduce betahistine. On these occasions I experienced deafness and excruciating ear pain, plus more constant & loud T so immediately went back on betahistine (after which it took a week for the deafness and pain to subside).
A hearing test last month showed worse upper register hearing loss in L ear. Low register remains perfect.
Would appreciate your thoughts.
In 2006, I woke up to complete deafness in L ear. This cleared with hiss 4 hrs later. Doctor had no idea what this could be. Since then I have had tinnitus, first intermittently, then constant, then intermittent again (after betahistine prescription). It's a high pitch, variable volume but not affecting my sanity!
In 2011 I had 2 attacks of severe rotational vertigo, 2 hours and 12 hours in duration; 3 months apart. These did not coincide with hearing loss or increased tinnitus. Both diagnosed as vestibular neuronitis.
I had balance issues thereafter but after 6 weeks, my balance was 95% restored (apart from a tendency to fall left into doorways).
After these attacks I had deafness "attacks" with aural fullness about every 3 months, lasting about 2 weeks. I would lose about 50% of hearing in L ear. No dizziness at all with these attacks.
As a result I went to an ENT consultant in 2012 who diagnosed endolymphatic hydrops, "probable Menieres". I showed some upper register hearing loss in L ear. I was prescribed betahistine (16mg x 3 per day) and since then have had no more deafness attacks (or vertigo) except the 3 occasions when I have tried to come off or reduce betahistine. On these occasions I experienced deafness and excruciating ear pain, plus more constant & loud T so immediately went back on betahistine (after which it took a week for the deafness and pain to subside).
A hearing test last month showed worse upper register hearing loss in L ear. Low register remains perfect.
Would appreciate your thoughts.
Member
