Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 1/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have Multiple Sclerosis and I have been experiencing ear vibrations/vertigo and dizziness on and off over the past 20 years. I have also experienced fullness in the ear, heartbeat, ringing and a sudden sensation that sound is extremely far away.  Is there anything I can do about this?

ANSWER: Hi Salli,
Many of the symptoms you describe, e.g., vertigo, tinnitus, are common in MS.  There are several treatment options available that obviously will not cure, but may alleviate the symptoms. The first thing that you must do, however, is be examined by an ENT and have your hearing tested by an Audiologist. Together, they will determine if there is another treatable reason for your symptoms.  For the vertigo, you may want to consider a program of vestibular rehab.  For the tinnitus, there are several programs based on biofeedback that may help.  Also, if you do have a hearing loss, sometimes using hearing aids will also help with the tinnitus. I am providing two sites for your information: www.vestibular.org and www.ata.org.  These are respectively the Vestibular Disorders Association and the American Tinnitus Association.  There is a wealth of information on both sites that will help you with your ENT consult.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply.  I guess I should have mentioned that when properly tested my hearing is fine and I have been to an ENT who found nothing wrong with my ears.  However I do still have trouble hearing when there is any kind of interference or back ground noise.  

I have also taken medication normally used for Meniere's Syndrome with no improvement.  

I think what I am really asking is if there is any treatment for ear problems caused by brainstem lesions.  I know my ear problems are caused by the MS.

Thanks
Salli

Answer
Hi Salli,
I think your best bet would be to consult an audiologist.  There are some specialized hearing aids available that may help you with your particular issues. Even with normal hearing, difficulty hearing in background noise is not uncommon and is often helped by low gain or open fit hearing aids.  Another option is to be evaluated for an Auditory Processing Disorder.  If you present with this, you may consult either an audiologist or speech pathologist who can give you therapy to help with this as well.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology