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.

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.

How does an ENT check for inner 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.

How do you know if you have an inner ear imbalance?

Loss of balance or unsteadiness

Losing your balance while walking, or feeling imbalanced, can result from: Vestibular problems. Abnormalities in your inner ear can cause a sensation of a floating or heavy head and unsteadiness in the dark.

Treating BPPV: The Epley Manuever - Boys Town National Research Hospital

Can anxiety cause inner ear problems?

Stress and anxiety can elevate hormones like cortisol that impair the function of your vestibular system that controls your balance. There are many other causes of vertigo, including inner ear infections and Meniere's disease.

What is the most common symptom of vestibular dysfunction?

Dizziness and trouble with your balance are the most common symptoms, but you also can have problems with your hearing and vision.

Can an MRI scan detect inner ear problems?

MRI scans use a magnetic field and radio waves to create computerized, three-dimensional images of the ear and the nerve that carries signals from the inner ear to the brain. An MRI scan may reveal a buildup of fluid or inflammation in the inner ear or a growth on the nerve.

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).

Can 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.

Will an MRI show a blocked Eustachian tube?

CT and MRI are best suited to identifying features associated with obstructive or patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction, though true assessments of function have only been achieved with contrast enhanced radiographs and scintigraphy.

How do you fix inner ear problems?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) Applying a warm compress on the infected ear. Applying naturopathic ear drops with ginger, tea tree, or olive oil may help with pain and inflammation.

What is the difference between vertigo and Meniere's?

Quick movements that trigger episodes of vertigo include sitting up, turning around, or turning over in bed. Meniere's Disease: Meniere's disease is a condition in which fluid builds up in the inner ear. Individuals with Meniere's disease experience sudden episodes of vertigo that may last several hours.

Can inner ear problems be fixed?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and can include medicine, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes. You may need surgery for symptoms that do not resolve with other treatments. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, or hearing changes.

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

What is the most common ear problem of the inner ear?

One of the most common ear problems that cause patients to seek out an ENT is hearing loss. There are three main types of hearing loss; conductive, sensorineural, and mixed (both conductive and sensorineural).

How do you fix inner ear dizziness?

The canalith repositioning procedure can treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which causes dizziness when you move your head. The procedure includes head maneuvers that move the canalith particles (otoconia) in your inner ear that cause the dizziness to a part of your ear where they won't.

What tests do neurologists do for vertigo?

Doctors use the Dix-Hallpike test (sometimes called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver) to check for a common type of vertigo called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. Vertigo is the sudden feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning.

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.

Can a doctor see fluid in the inner ear?

Your doctor can detect ear fluid by looking in the ear canal (otoscopy) or by measuring the movement of the eardrum (tympanometry or pneumatic otoscopy).

Does vertigo show up in a blood test?

This means that these proteins could serve as blood biomarkers, which may help improve the early detection and diagnosis of hearing loss or vertigo. As a result, he has developed and patented the first-ever blood tests for these conditions and is currently testing their promise at UConn Health.

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.

What is a vestibular test?

Vestibular testing, also referred to as vestibular function testing or VFTs, is a series of tests that can evaluate hearing function. The goal of the tests is to determine if there is damage to the vestibular portion of the inner ear. The vestibular area of the ear controls balance.

What is done in vestibular therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based treatment program designed to promote vestibular adaptation and substitution. The goals of VRT are 1) to enhance gaze stability, 2) to enhance postural stability, 3) to improve vertigo, and 4) to improve activities of daily living.

What neurological problems can cause dizziness?

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