Tinnitus and dizziness are common symptoms of hearing loss, particularly hearing loss occurring from having been surrounded by loud noises over prolonged periods of time. Tinnitus is defined as a ringing sound in one or both ears, and dizziness is a faint feeling, often giving the sensation that the patient may pass out. Certain medical conditions, including muscle spasms and blood vessel disorders, can lead to both tinnitus and dizziness. Treatment options include lifestyle modification, medication, electrical stimulation, and even surgery in some instances.
Lifestyle changes are often the first suggestion as a treatment option for tinnitus and dizziness. Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration is important for anyone, but this is particularly important for those suffering from these symptoms, as they can increase when the body becomes dehydrated. Changing positions slowly is also vital when suffering from tinnitus and dizziness. Depending on the cause of the symptoms, the doctor may also recommend a diet low in sodium. Reducing or eliminating smoking and caffeine consumption have also been found to improve these symptoms.
Prescription medications are often used as a measure to treat tinnitus and dizziness. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the patient's overall health as well as the originating cause of the symptoms. Some medications have uncomfortable side effects and may not be appropriate for use in every patient. Vitamin therapy is also sometimes used, but a doctor should always be consulted before beginning any type of vitamin or herbal therapy.
A procedure known as electrical stimulation is sometimes used to treat tinnitus and dizziness. This method uses electrical impulses and sometimes magnetic fields to ease some of the symptoms. This method of treatment is also sometimes used to treat various psychiatric disorders as well as strokes or migraines. This is considered to be a reasonably safe procedure, although there appears to be an increased risk of seizure activity after undergoing this procedure.
Surgical intervention to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus and dizziness is rarely necessary. However, there are instances when surgery may become necessary. Some examples of this include the presence of tumors or structural abnormalities that can be adequately repaired only by surgery. There is a limited amount of success reported with surgical intervention, especially in cases where hearing loss is present. This is because surgery will not always restore the hearing that has already been lost, and in some cases, the amount of hearing loss can actually become greater after the surgical procedure has been performed.