Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/18/2009

Question
I experienced sudden onset bilateral tinnitus aged 37.(I now am 70)I had been on long term medication Concordin & the major tranquilliser, Stelazine for treatment of eye symptoms for approx a year.During treatment ,I noticed a hearing loss prior to onset of tinnitus.
After a long struggle I learned to cope and to live with my tinnitus,pushing it into the background most of the time.I wear a hearing aid in right ear. Left ear does not do well wearing an aid. Loss of clarity.
I have 3 different tinnitus noises-high pitched ringing.
About 4 weeks ago I developed another noise which is low pitched and very distressing. one day I hear it in rt. ear and next day I perceive it in left ear. Accompaning this new sound is a feeling of fullness only in left ear Over the years I have experienced this "fullness sensation" but it always goes.Today I have been in noisy company and the above sensation is very prounced. By tomorrow it will have settled down. I can't bear noise especially screaming children. Now even the sound of cutlery on a plate upsets me.I have no dizziness or nausea. I am concerned however that I might be developing Meniere's Disease.
What is the likely cause of the low pitched tinnitus and sensation of fullness?
My hearing loss is in the high frequencies.
Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Fiona,
Although the symptoms you describe are usually associated with Meniere's disease, the only way to tell definitively is to be evaluated by an ENT and audiologist.  There are very specialized tests that can tell if you indeed have Meniere's.  

In any case, with the onset of these new symptoms, you need to discuss this with your ENT.

Hope this helps.
Dr. Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology