About Eric P. Wilkinson, MD Expertise I am a board-certified otolaryngologist with additional subspecialty training in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery. This is the subspecialty of otolaryngology that involves the ear, hearing, balance organs, the facial nerve, and surgery of the skull base including surgery for acoustic neuroma and other benign and malignant tumors of the base of the skull.
Experience Medical school, residency in otolaryngology, fellowship in otology/neurotology/skull base surgery
Organizations American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
North American Skull Base Society
American Neurotology Society
Publications Laryngoscope Otology and Neurotology
Education/Credentials MD Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 2001
Otolaryngology Residency, University of Iowa Department of Otolaryngology, Iowa City, IA
Otology/Neurotology Fellowship, House Ear Clinic, Los Angeles, CA
Expert: Eric P. Wilkinson, MD Date: 5/8/2007 Subject: acoustic neuroma
Question In February 07 I had my usual sinus infection leading to bronchitis. During treatment (phergan with codeine, antibiotic) i experienced a loss of hearing and tinnitus. It seemed like the sound was in my head but was definitely worse on left side. I received a prescription for a z pac of prednisone I was then directed to an ENT who prescribed another antibiotic (avelox) When this had no effect he prescribed Zyrtec D twice a day. I've been taking it once daily (he knows this) due to heart rate issues from pseudoephedrine. I have hearing loss in my left ear with tinnitus. No pain. Today I had an MRI with contrast dye. I have an appointment May 25 with the ENT after he gets the report of the MRI. My question is--if I don't have an acoustic neuroma what could it be? I have had no vertigo since I was on the antibiotic. I wouldn't really describe it as spinning, more of a feeling of being off balance, maybe a little drunk. Two weeks ago I had an episode of feeling pressure in my head like I was going to pass out or fall down. I did neither, the feeling passed after a few moments, not more that a minute or two. Anyway, again what else (if anything) could these symptoms point to?
Answer You may have had a sudden hearing loss. This can result from vascular, infectious, or inflammatory conditions in the inner ear. The normal treatment is oral steroid therapy, with intratympanic therapy as rescue treatment. An MRI with contrast is mandatory. Hope this helps!
