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What Causes Vertigo, Nausea And Windy Sound In Ears?

Posted on Mon, 29 Dec 2014

Question: Hearing a light swishing sound in both ears. Sounds like listening to a seashell. Having vertigo and slight nausea. Could cause be earwax or could cause be fluid? How do I tell?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Various causes of tinnitus need to be ruled out...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I do understand your concern; I will try my best to help you with this.

Swishing sound, which is also termed as tinnitus could be related to various causes, which needs to be evaluated thoroughly. When there is associated dizziness and nausea, other inner ear conditions should also be ruled out.

The commonest causes are:
1. Wax in the ear - sensation of pain or pressure or block in the ears, associated with tinnitus and no vertigo
2. Eustachian tube dysfunction - recurrent tinnitus with pressure inside the ears
3. Fluid in the middle ear - tinnitus with pressure inside the ears and reduced hearing and occasional dizziness
4. Age related nerve weakness - tinnitus with reduced hearing
5. Meniere's disease - acute attacks of vertigo (severe dizziness), fluctuating tinnitus, intermittent deafness, and a feeling of pressure in the ear.

With history alone, it is very difficult to say what could be the exact cause. I wish you be examined by an apt ENT specialist so that, the actual cause of this problem can be found out. Also, you may require audiological investigations to confirm the diagnosis.

Meclizine helps to reduce the attacks of vertigo, it would be better to take this medicine at present and get you completely evaluated by the doctor.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (38 minutes later)

Do not feel any pressure or fullness in ears. Ears are not sore. No unusual headaches. Heard swishing sounds for a week before sudden attack of vertigo. How safe is meclazine?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be Meniere's disease...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back and providing additional information

The symptoms mentioned are more towards Meniere's disease. The common side effects of Meclizine are blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation and drowsiness.

So in your case, if you staying at home and not driving, then Meclizine can be tried. If not, then betahistine will be a better drug to reduce your problems. Request your doctor for the change of medicine and insist him to refer you to an ENT Specialist.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health and speedy recovery.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju