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Audiology/Otolaryngology/deafness, dizziness and balance

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 1/31/2009


Question
I have lost all hearing in one ear ( woke up totally deaf in left ear and only 25% hearing in right ear ) over a year ago and am slowly losing hearing in right ear. It was diagnosed as an ear infection and when I lost hearing in left ear my PC said it might possibly be from an autoimmune disease ( I have RA and Lupus )but he couldn't say for sure. I've done the steroid shots in both ears and they did improve the hearing in my right ear ( up to 50? something % ) but unfortunately left ear is still totally deaf. I have been to an ENT, 2 Otolaryngologists and a Balance study and no one can give me a name for what has happened to me. Have had MRI's, balance testing, vestibular therapy and more hearing tests that I can count. The dizzines and loss of balance seems to be getting worse as the hearing goes in my right ear ( down to about 40% hearing )Everyone thinks I should get hearing aids, but I'm not sure I want to go that route. I guess my question is - will the dizziness and loss of balance go away if I become totally deaf?

Answer
Hi Suzi,
With such difficulty hearing, why do you not want hearing aids?  They will dramatically improve the quality of your life.  As for your question, the hearing apparatus and vestibular apparatus, although both a part of the inner ear, are different parts of the inner ear with different nerves.  Even with total deafness, you can still experience dizziness and loss of balance.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
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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