Who can diagnose inner ear problems?

An ENT specialist can perform tests to check your balance and diagnose inner ear problems such as Meniere's disease. The doctor will also be able to check for more serious issues, such as tumours that could be affecting your sense of balance.

What type of doctor treats inner ear problems?

Otologists, also known as neurotologists, are ENT doctors who sub-specialize in complex problems of the inner ear, auditory nerve and base of the skull. They've received additional training to specialize in this area.

How do doctors check for inner ear problems?

An audiologist conducts a variety of hearing tests, also called audiometric tests, to gather information about the ear. Hearing tests also help doctors assess whether there is a problem with the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain, and whether dysfunction affects both ears.

Who can diagnose inner ear infection?

Your doctor can usually diagnose an ear infection or another condition based on the symptoms you describe and an exam. The doctor will likely use a lighted instrument (an otoscope) to look at the ears, throat and nasal passage. He or she will also likely listen to your child breathe with a stethoscope.

Can inner ear problems be seen on an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Scans are a routine part of the investigation of many diseases. Visualising the middle and inner ear is difficult and MRI scans are the most useful.

What Is an Inner Ear Infection? | Ear Problems

Should I see a neurologist or ENT for vertigo?

If you experience vertigo for more than a day or you are having regular bouts that are affecting your daily life, you should go and see your ENT to get help alleviating the symptoms and to find out what the cause could be.

Will a CT scan show inner ear problems?

A temporal bone CT scan will therefore show details of external ear canal, middle ear and ossicles, mastoid and inner ear problems. The bone density can be measured directly which is important in the diagnosis of bone thinning conditions such as otospongiosis or osteomalacia.

Can a Dr see an inner ear infection?

Many times, a healthcare provider can diagnose an inner ear infection on symptoms alone. And that's good, because it's impossible to directly look at the inner parts of the ear on a physical exam. Your provider may also examine your eyes, because certain eye movements get affected when our balance is a little off.

Can an ENT help with vertigo?

If you experience vertigo, an otolaryngologist — also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor — can diagnose and treat your condition to improve your quality of life.

How do you know if your inner ear is damaged?

Which specialist would be concerned with dizziness caused by inner ear problems?

Your family doctor or primary care provider will probably be able to diagnose and treat the cause of your dizziness. He or she you may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system (neurologist).

How do you know if your inner ear is causing dizziness?

Can a neurologist help with vertigo?

If you have been experiencing vertigo for more than a day or two, it's so severe that you can't stand or walk, or you are vomiting frequently and can't keep food down, you should make an appointment with a neurologist.

What are the four main symptoms of Meniere's disease?

Which doctor should I consult for vertigo?

An ENT doctors specialize in treating disorders and diseases of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. ENTs are also known as otolaryngologists. If your vertigo and dizziness are linked to conditions with the brain or brain stem, your doctor may recommend a specialist such as a neurologist.

What test confirms Meniere's disease?

A test called an electronystagmogram (ENG), which measures your eye movements. This can help the doctor find where the problem is that's causing vertigo. Imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan of the head. These tests can find out if the symptoms are caused by a brain problem.

Does an MRI detect vertigo?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) An MRI scan may be used to help your doctor identify possible causes for your vertigo symptoms and rule out others. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the inside of your body.

Can an audiologist help with vertigo?

Audiologists identify, diagnose, and provide treatment options for patients with vestibular disorders that lead to dizziness and imbalance. They work closely with physicians and physical therapists and are an important part of the dizziness management team.

What is the number one cause of vertigo?

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. Infection. A viral infection of the vestibular nerve, called vestibular neuritis, can cause intense, constant vertigo. If you also have sudden hearing loss, you may have labyrinthitis.

What happens if an inner ear infection goes untreated?

Ear infections need to be treated. If left untreated, they can lead to unnecessary pain and permanent hearing loss for your child. Ear infections usually go away in a few days. Your doctor will likely treat your child's pain and fever with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or eardrops.

What does inner ear infection feel like?

Symptoms of Inner Ear Infection

Vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving around even when everything is still. Having trouble balancing or walking normally. Dizziness. Nausea or vomiting.

How do you know if an ear infection has spread to the brain?

The deadliest complication of otitis media is a brain abscess, an accumulation of pus in the brain due to an infection. The most common symptoms are headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, neurologic deficits and altered consciousness.

Why do I need an MRI scan on my ear?

An MRI scan may reveal a growth or tumor near the ear or the eighth cranial nerve that could be causing tinnitus. Imaging tests can also help doctors evaluate pulsatile tinnitus. They can show changes in the blood vessels near the ears and determine whether an underlying medical condition is causing symptoms.

What kind of neurological problems cause dizziness?

The most common conditions are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraine, Menière's disease and vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis.