What Is It?

A disorder of the inner ear – balance and hearing. The diagnosis requires all the signs and symptoms below to be present.  The clinical condition is characterised by intermittent attacks of these symptoms usually in one ear. Attacks typically last 2 – 4 hours but can be longer or shorter. It most commonly affects adults (women more than men) between ages of 35 and 55. The cause is not known.

Signs and symptoms:

• hearing loss with sound distortion
• tinnitus (ringing, buzzing)
• severe attacks of vertigo – often accompanied with nausea and vomiting
• ear fullness – this sensation of pressure often warns that an attack is beginning

Who Can Help?

Your doctor will be able to advise on what may help with the episodes.

Diagnosis will be made only after full audiological and ENT assessment.