Causes of Neurotologic Conditions
The causes of neurotologic conditions can vary from patient to patient, depending upon the disease and symptoms they experience. Hearing loss and impairment may be caused by:
- Sudden one-sided hearing loss, chronic ear conditions or infections, noise exposure, autoimmune hearing loss and abnormalities of the bones of hearing
- Chronic ear disorders including holes in the eardrum, cholesteatomas and ear canal infections that often cause constant draining of the ear
- Tumors of the skull base that include the ear or nerves of hearing
Balance and dizziness conditions may be caused by:
- Meniere's disease
- Migraine disorders
- Vestibular neuronitis
- Superior semicircular canal dehiscence
- Benign positional vertigo (may cause dizziness and more prolonged difficulties with balance)
- Skull base tumors that may also affect the inner ear, causing hearing loss and balance disorders. These tumors may also affect facial movement
Risks and Preventions for Neurotologic Conditions
If you are experiencing hearing loss, pressure in your ear, chronic infections or balance and/or dizziness issues, it is important to seek treatment right away, as it could be a sign of a more serious medical problem. When these conditions occur, there may be a limited time where the symptoms can be treated effectively. If you start to experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.