tinnitus

These patient education resources are available to be co-branded with by VeDA Professional Members with current dues.

Hyperacusis is the perception of unusual auditory sensitivity to some environmental noises or tones. The effects of hyperacusis can range from a mild sense of unease to a complete loss of balance or upright posture with severe ear pain. Cochlear hyperacusis can be treated with acoustic therapies such as tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Vestibular hyperacusis, however, continues to go untreated or unrecognized in many cases.

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular disorders can result, and are often associated with one or more of these symptoms, among others:

– Dizziness
– Imbalance
– Vertigo
– Tinnitus
– Hearing loss
– Brain fog
– Vision impairment
– Cognitive changes

And more…

The use of medication in treating vestibular disorders depends on whether the vestibular system dysfunction is in an initial or acute phase (lasting up to 5 days) or chronic phase (ongoing).

During the acute phase, and when other illnesses have been ruled out, medications that may be prescribed include vestibular suppressants to reduce motion sickness or anti-emetics to reduce nausea. Vestibular suppressants include three general drug classes: anticholinergics, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Examples of vestibular suppressants are meclizine and dimenhydinate (antihistamine-anticholinergics) and lorazepam and diazepam (benzodiazepines).

Other medications that may be prescribed are steroids (e.g., prednisone), antiviral drugs (e.g., acyclovir), or antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin) if a middle ear infection is present. If nausea has been severe enough to cause excessive dehydration, intravenous fluids may be given.

During the chronic phase, symptoms must be actively experienced without interference in order for the brain to adjust, a process called vestibular compensation. Any medication that makes the brain sleepy, including all vestibular suppressants, can slow down or stop the process of compensation. Therefore, they are often not appropriate for long-term use. Physicians generally find that most patients who fail to compensate are either strictly avoiding certain movements, using vestibular suppressants daily, or both.

There is increasing evidence on how sex hormones affect the inner ear. Many women report that hormonal fluctuations can trigger their vestibular symptoms. More research needs to be done to conclusively show a connection between hormonal changes and vestibular dysfunction, and until then there are few treatment options available.

Many patients with inner ear balance disorders also suffer from hearing loss. What is the connection between hearing and balance? How do hearing aids help, and what kinds of hearing aids are appropriate for people with balance-related hearing loss?

The inner ear’s vestibular organs and the associated nerves and brain centers form a complex system that serves many functions and can be affected by a number of outside systems. A thorough evaluation of the inner ear may therefore require several different kinds of tests.

We’ve all seen the words “complementary,” “alternative,” and “integrative,” but what do they really mean? According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “CAM” (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. Integrative medicine combines conventional and CAM treatments for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.

Overview The fluid within the inner ear's membranous labyrinth is called endolymph (endo-: inside or within). The fluid contained between the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth is perilymph (peri-: around or about). These two

Vestibular paroxysmia is an episodic vestibular disorder which usually presents with a high frequency of attacks. This disorder was first described by Jannetta in 1975 as “disabling positional vertigo.” It is also known as microvascular

So, you’ve been diagnosed with “General Vestibulopathy.” Is it a meaningful or a worthless diagnosis? What does it mean and what do you do from here?
I recently saw WM, an established patient of mine who was doing quite well, for an annual follow up visit. Thinking back on her story reminded me of the importance of receiving a correct diagnosed when you have an inner ear problem.

Supporting Your wellness A comprehensive recovery program includes a medical exam and testing, rehabilitation therapy, and lifestyle accommodations. Health, wellness, and nutrition coaches can be part of your multi-disciplinary healthcare team. Why Use a Coach?