Inner Ear: Tinnitus & Vertigo Overview

Any sound perceived by the listener that is not originating from an external source for more than 5 minutes, without external sound stimulation or immediately after loud noise exposure.

Tinnitus that can only be heard by the patient.

Tinnitus that can be heard by both the patient and an examiner using a stethoscope.

A common cause of tinnitus, where hair cells in the cochlea are damaged leading to misinterpretation of neural activity as sound.

A medical examination technique to assess the function of the middle ear, may reveal myoclonic activity and a Patulous Eustachian tube.

A medical examination technique to assess hearing, may indicate conductive hearing loss secondary to vascular lesions affecting the middle ear.

A physical examination step that involves listening for carotid bruit or blood turbulence in the neck and cranium, potentially indicating an arteriovenous malformation.

A physical examination technique that involves palpating and compressing the jugular vein, which may reduce tinnitus caused by venous origin.

A physical disorder where the Eustachian tube, which is normally closed, stays intermittently open. This causes the person to hear their own self-generated sounds.

The illusion of movement of the patient or their surroundings. It's a symptom of vestibular system damage, often causing dizziness.

A type of vertigo that only lasts for seconds, triggered by a change in head position. It's usually caused by a loose calcium crystal in the inner ear.

A type of vertigo that lasts for minutes, potentially caused by conditions like migraine or multiple sclerosis.

A type of Vertigo caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear, often affecting hearing and balance. Symptoms can last for hours.

A type of Vertigo caused by a leak in the inner ear, potentially leading to dizziness and hearing loss. Symptoms can last for hours.

The amplification of environmental noises to mask tinnitus. Often used in hearing aids or external noise sources.

A condition affecting the inner ear, causing dizziness and potentially hearing loss.

A condition where there is a weakness or damage to the vestibular nerve, leading to dizziness.

A neurological assessment that tests the brain's ability to receive three sensory inputs: proprioception, vision, and vestibular.

A vestibular disorder causing dizziness due to a thin, fragile area in the bone surrounding the superior semicircular canal.

A condition where a sudden change in air pressure in the ear, often from flying or diving, causes dizziness and hearing loss.

The diagnosis of inner ear disorders often relies heavily on the patient's description of the symptoms, using a 'process of elimination' to rule out other conditions.

A medical history evaluation includes collecting information about the onset, type, duration, and triggers of dizziness, as well as associated symptoms.

Involves assessing neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, speech difficulties, or double vision, which may indicate central nervous system involvement.

An inner ear infection that can lead to permanent hearing loss and severe vertigo.

A condition where the oval window membrane weakens after stapes surgery, making the inner ear vulnerable to infection.

A condition where the oval window membrane is abnormally thin, allowing for bacteria to easily reach the inner ear.

A condition where a hole forms in the lateral semicircular canal, allowing bacteria to directly invade the inner ear.

Infection of the inner ear caused by bacteria spreading from the middle ear, resulting in hearing loss and vertigo.

A test where the patient is asked to walk with their eyes closed three times. If they have a vestibular deficit, their gait will deviate or be unsteady towards the affected side.

A test where the patient closes their eyes, walks straight, and then quickly turns 180 degrees. A patient with vestibular weakness will tend to fall towards the affected side.

A test for chronic peripheral vestibular loss, used to diagnose and identify the side of the hypo-functioning labyrinth. It is based on the dollʼs eye phenomenon.

A test performed when a perilymph fistula is suspected. Pressure is applied to the tragus, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) and other symptoms are observed.

A test for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) that involves quickly moving the patientʼs head from an upright to a supine position with the head turned.

Involuntary, rhythmic oscillation of the eyes away from the direction of gaze, followed by a return to the original position. Named after the fast component of the nystagmus.

A condition where crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, leading to episodes of vertigo. It's often the underlying cause of BPPV.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) involves the displacement of calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in the semicircular canals of the inner ear leading to brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements.

The Epley maneuver is a treatment for BPPV that uses gravity to reposition the otoconia out of the semicircular canals and into the vestibule.

Meniere's disease is characterized by episodic vertigo lasting hours, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It's caused by an excess of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear.

A hydrops diet regimen (HDR) aims to stabilize fluid and electrolytes by minimizing salt and sugar intake, maintaining adequate water consumption, and limiting caffeine and alcohol.

Vestibular neuritis is characterized by vertigo lasting days after an upper respiratory infection without hearing loss or other neurological symptoms. It's likely caused by a viral infection or vascular issues.

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear that typically occurs due to a viral infection. It's characterized by both vertigo and hearing loss, and although potentially causing the same symptoms as Meniere's disease, it is not a progressive condition.

Intratympanic gentamicin therapy is a treatment option for Meniere's disease but carries the risk of further hearing loss. This treatment involves injecting gentamicin, an antibiotic, into the middle ear.

Endolymphatic sac decompression is a surgical procedure for Meniere's disease that aims to relieve pressure within the inner ear by creating a larger space for fluid to drain.