Audiology/Otolaryngology/chronic nausea and tinnitus

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 11/26/2008


Question
Hello Harriet, i have been suffering from chronic nausea(without vomiting) and constant loud tiinitus for about 2 years i sometimes have a light headed slightly dizzy feeling but not vertigo.
I have seen 2 ENT specialists one sais i definately do not have menieres the other sais i may have menieres, the medications i am taking are not helping, i take Serc, Hydrene and stemetil for the nausea which is not stopping the nausea, i have never had any drop attacks or severe diziness ie room spinning.
do you have any suggestions or oppinions that may help me, the tinnitus is quite annoying but it is the constant nausea that is wrecking my life.

Answer
Hi Scott,
My first question is: have you seen any other specialists? Nausea has many causes, and inner ear disturbances such as Meniere's are very few of them.  I would suggest that you be tested by a Gastroenterologist.  You may have some type of infection, gastric reflux or even a bad reaction to some food, medication or something in the environment, for instance, low levels of carbon monoxide.  These can also trigger tinnitus, believe it or not, or the tinnitus may be from a totally different reason.  
Hope this helps.
Dr. Harriet B. Jacobster
Board Certified in Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.

Expertise

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.

Experience

I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.

Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, - American Speech Language Hearing Association, - Hearing Loss Association of America

Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology) Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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