What should you know about Meniere's disease and otosclerosis?

Meniere's disease involves changes in inner-ear fluid and commonly presents with attacks of spinning vertigo, ear noise, a blocked sensation and hearing that can vary. Otosclerosis is an abnormal stiffening of one of the tiny hearing bones, so sound does not travel efficiently. It more often causes gradually worsening hearing loss and may affect one or both ears. The symptoms overlap, so hearing difficulty alone cannot identify the cause.

A clinician may examine the ear, ask about the timing of vertigo and ringing, and arrange a hearing test. Balance symptoms and hearing patterns help guide the next assessment.

Arrange a GP consultation if hearing changes persist, if sounds seem distorted, or if episodes of spinning affect walking or daily activities. Keep a brief record of attacks, ear symptoms, possible triggers and whether hearing returns afterwards. Avoid driving, heights or machinery during vertigo. Do not insert objects into the ear, and do not start supplements or ear medicines for a suspected diagnosis without advice.

A hearing test can measure which frequencies are affected and whether the pattern suggests a sound-conduction problem or inner-ear involvement. Further care may involve hearing support or referral to an ear specialist.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden hearing loss, severe vertigo with new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, fainting, a severe headache or chest pain. Get prompt assessment after a fall or head injury, or when vomiting prevents drinking. These warning signs need assessment even if you have previously been told you have an ear condition.

Could my hearing pattern fit an inner-ear problem or a middle-ear problem? Do I need a hearing test or an ear specialist referral? What should I do during a vertigo episode, and which symptoms should prompt urgent help?