Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 8/20/2008

Question
From your previous reply "It sounds as if you may be experiencing the classic symptoms of cochlear hydrops (CH). CH is characterized by fullness in the ears, fluctuating hearing loss and roaring tinnitus.  Vertigo may or may not be a symptom in the early stages." I had another visit with my ENT today 8/19/08 (whom I have total faith in his expertise)and told him about the "roaring in ear" experience after he had seen me for the 2 week follow that he initially diagnosed with all hearing test coming out normal. I asked him about the test you had mentioned (Otoacoustic Emission testing, Electrocochleography and Auditory Brainstem Response testing) and he said he really doesn't think it is necessary and that he really feels that what I have is the mildest of the mildest and that he said it is possible that it may be nerve damage to inner ear or inner ear fluid trapped or allergy infection, but he cant really say because it is so unknown to the inner ear because they cant get back there to see it, but definitely said I have a sensorial fluctuating hearing loss and he mentioned "hydrops" and when I asked him "cochlear hydrops" he said yes. He said in my case he doesn't want to show concern because he believes that all the other test are not necessary at this point and that if I continue the water pills and finish up the predisone (steroid pills) that a general physician put me on along with a zertec every night...he will see if most of it clears up since the major complaint is ear fullness or  feeling the need to pop. He says I do not have menieres disease, or menieres syndrom or anything pertaining to menieres although if this eventually progresses to vertigo, nausea, or vomiting than he would feel the need to go to other test like you mentioned along with an MRI. He did mention that I should  relax a little more and not think about it so much because it just makes the symptoms worse and stand out more than it really is because I have stressed over the fullness so much it has caused anxiety. He really would like to see me relax and continue the medication and see me in 6 weeks from now. i do over obsess on my ear issues and it has caused anxiety and i have become really tense in all muscle areas, but Ii just has been a rough ride from going to sleep one day normal and waking up different. He has also requested i continue to stay away from salt. I don't like salt or use table salt, but I am finding it hard to find anything I can eat that does not have salt or sodium in it. I have lost 6 pounds and still decreasing because lack of being able to eat anything with salt. What would your opinions be on this diagnosis of cochlear hydrops and  possibility it may just go away as quick as it came? Any opinions on the chances of it getting worse if its so mild? I feel more relaxed now that I have some insight on what is going on, but still restless on what the future holds for my hearing and diet.

Answer
Hi Erica,
There is no way to know if it will get worse, better or stay the same and I cannot really comment any more than I have already on the diagnosis of CH without any test results. My suggestion is, if you truly have total faith in your doctor, to discuss your concerns directly with him as he is familiar with you and your case.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology