Dizziness and Tinnitus: Insights on Auditory Sensitivity

Q: Dizziness and Tinnitus: Insights on Auditory Sensitivity

Hello： In response to your question, there are many conditions that can cause dizziness, and the treatment methods vary accordingly. <br>For your mother's situation, a detailed examination of the vestibular system is necessary to arrive at a more definitive diagnosis. <br>These t

Dizziness and tinnitus?

Hello Dr.
Hsu,
I have some questions on behalf of my mother.
Ever since she started taking traditional Chinese medicine and receiving ear acupuncture, she has been experiencing dizziness.
It’s not a spinning sensation, but rather a horizontal dizziness.
When she hears sounds like a motor running, a water dispenser boiling, or the refrigerator humming, it makes her feel even more dizzy, although it’s not the spinning type.
As the dizziness increases, her tinnitus also becomes louder, and at times, the tinnitus is very intense (rapid), which correlates with increased dizziness.
Occasionally, the tinnitus causes a tingling sensation in her face (as if the sound is vibrating in her head), which is very uncomfortable.
In her daily life, she has mostly lowered the volume of sounds.
She has also been to the hospital for examinations, where they indicated only a slight imbalance, which is not severe.
They prescribed medication (for blood circulation, anxiety, and vitamins), and she has been taking them for almost two months now without noticeable improvement.
The doctor diagnosed her with hypersensitivity of the auditory nerve, but there is very little information on this condition, and I wonder if there is a specific term for it.
I have searched for books on dizziness but haven’t found anything that matches my mother’s symptoms, which raises more questions.
Therefore, I would like to ask the following questions:
1.
Does this condition relate to auditory nerve sensitivity, or is it psychosomatic (due to anxiety)? Is there any information available regarding auditory sensitivity?
2.
Is taking these medications appropriate? How long should she take them before noticing any improvement? If it is psychosomatic, should she still take these medications?
3.
Would her condition improve without medication? Generally, how long does it take for improvement?
4.
How should she manage her daily life to feel better? She still goes for walks and climbs small hills slowly, but when she stops or sits down, she feels more dizzy and it takes a while to feel a bit better.
She has considered whether staying in a quieter place for a while might help her recover faster, or if she should just adapt gradually.
Thank you for your attention and assistance!

Miss Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/02/26

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your question, there are many conditions that can cause dizziness, and the treatment methods vary accordingly.
For your mother's situation, a detailed examination of the vestibular system is necessary to arrive at a more definitive diagnosis.
These tests may take some time, but I recommend taking your mother to a nearby major hospital, as obtaining accurate results is the best approach.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular routine, engage in regular exercise to boost immunity, and avoid a restrictive diet.
Generally, it is advisable not to consume too many stimulating foods.

Reply Date: 2006/02/26

More Info

Understanding dizziness and tinnitus, especially in the context of auditory sensitivity, can be quite complex. Your mother’s symptoms, which include a sensation of dizziness that is not spinning, increased tinnitus in response to certain sounds, and facial tingling, suggest a possible condition known as auditory hypersensitivity or hyperacusis. This condition can occur when the auditory system becomes overly sensitive to sound stimuli, leading to discomfort or exacerbation of other symptoms like dizziness.

1. Auditory Sensitivity vs. Psychogenic Factors: The symptoms your mother is experiencing could indeed be related to auditory nerve sensitivity. This can manifest as an exaggerated response to sounds that would typically be tolerable. The fact that her dizziness worsens with specific noises, such as the sound of a motor or boiling water, supports this idea. However, it’s also important to consider psychological factors, such as anxiety or stress, which can amplify perceptions of dizziness and tinnitus. It may be beneficial to explore both avenues—consulting with an audiologist for auditory sensitivity and a mental health professional for anxiety management.

2. Medication and Duration: The medications prescribed, which include those for blood circulation, anxiety, and vitamins, are commonly used to address symptoms associated with auditory sensitivity and dizziness. The duration for which these medications should be taken can vary widely among individuals. Typically, it may take several weeks to notice significant improvements, but this can depend on the underlying cause of the symptoms. If the symptoms are primarily due to anxiety, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be beneficial alongside medication.

3. Discontinuation of Medication: If your mother chooses to stop taking the medication, it’s essential to do so under the guidance of her healthcare provider. Some individuals may experience a gradual improvement in symptoms without medication, especially if the underlying cause is temporary or stress-related. However, this process can take time, and it’s crucial to monitor her symptoms closely during this period.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments: To manage her symptoms effectively, lifestyle adjustments can be very helpful. Here are some strategies:
- Sound Management: Reducing exposure to loud or jarring noises can help minimize discomfort. Using earplugs in noisy environments may also be beneficial.

- Stress Reduction Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

- Gradual Exposure: If she feels comfortable, gradually exposing herself to sounds that trigger her symptoms in a controlled manner may help desensitize her auditory system over time.

- Physical Activity: Continuing to engage in light physical activity, like walking, is excellent for overall health. However, she should listen to her body and rest when needed.

- Quiet Environment: Spending time in quieter settings may provide relief and help her manage her symptoms better.

In conclusion, your mother’s symptoms may be indicative of auditory hypersensitivity, potentially exacerbated by psychological factors. A comprehensive approach that includes medical evaluation, possible medication, and lifestyle adjustments will likely yield the best results. It’s essential for her to maintain open communication with her healthcare providers and to seek further evaluation if her symptoms persist or worsen.

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