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Loss Of Hearing. Treated With Steroids First Time. Second Time Did Not Work. Also Have Dizziness And Blurred Vision. Why?

Posted on Fri, 29 Jun 2012

Question: I've loss the hearing in my right ear. This has happened twice. First time treated with steroids and my hearing returned. This time I've been thru the steroid treatment again with no restoration of hearing. Both times the loss of hearing was accompanied by dizzyness (loss of equilibrium while walking) and blurred vision in my right eye.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Hi

Thanks for the query

After going through your history, I do feel you could be suffering from either the inner ear disorder or brain related problems due to hypertension.

Most of the symptoms described by you could be due to a sudden sensorineural hearing loss which is an inner condition. The exact cause of it is not known, but though to be due to either a viral infection of the inner ear or reduced blood supply to inner ear structures secondary to hypertension and narrowing of the minute blood vessels.

Secondly, there could be multiple bleeds or clots in the brain due to hypertension. This can affect the auditory and the visual centers in the brain which are situated close to each other.

For both of these conditions it is better to get a CT scan(Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain and the ear done to rule out the actual cause. The sooner, the better is the result. You can also start on betahistine (a peripheral vasodilator) which can reduce the episodes of dizziness as well improve the hearing. Best, is to consult an internist and an ENT specialist for the complete evaluation and management.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (22 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX N.

I've had an MRI and it showed no sign of any growth that could be affecting my hearing or causing the dizzyness.

I'd like to confirm that the use of betahistine does not interact adversely with my prescription medications: 25 mg atenonol, 5 mg lisenopril, and 40 mg simbastatin (forgive the spelling).

Thanks for your help. This has been money well spent.

Thanks again, XXXXXXX Hibbard

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Hi

Welcome back

It is good news, that MRI is normal, which confirms that there is no pathology in the brain. Then the most probable cause of your problem could be the disturbance in the micro-circulation of blood to the inner ear, secondary to hypertension and raised cholesterol.

Betahistine is an antivertigo medicine which is safe in your situation. You need to take it three times a day after consulting your doctor. This helps in maintaining the micro-circulation in the inner ear and the brain, thus reducing the dizziness, enhancing the hearing and reducing the noise in the ear (tinnitus).

Also pure tone audiometry of the ear done in regular intervals can help in assessing the improvement in hearing and adjusting the dose of the medicine.

Hope this answers you query. I wish you good health.

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. Yogesh D