Relief From Dizziness and Ringing in the Ears

You may experience symptoms of lightheadedness, combined with hearing a swishing sound or a ringing. Although each of these symptoms individually can be caused by a number of different factors. However, when experienced together, the cause is most likely an issue with your ears. Problems in the inner ear can lead to feelings of dizziness and ringing in the ear.

Anatomy

• Your inner ear holds the vestibular labyrinth, which helps maintain your balance. It is comprised of tiny canals that have sensors which monitor your head's rotation. Also inside this labyrinth are the utricle and saccule, which monitor your gravity and your motion forwards and backwards. These elements are vital to maintaining your balance. If the inner ear is damaged, you may experience dizziness, in addition to tinnitus.

Tinnitus

• Tinnitus is a problem of the inner ear characterized by the sound of ringing. Pulsatile tinnitus may be caused by the movement of muscles near the ear or blood flow problems in your neck or face. You may hear your own heartbeat or the contractions of your muscles. Nonpulsatile tinnitus is caused by nerves that have to do with your hearing. It is often described as coming from inside the head.

  Common causes of tinnitus include Hearing loss due to aging, and working or living with loud noises may also lead to tinnitus. A build-up of earwax contributes to tinnitus, in addition to alcohol and caffeine. Whiplash or injuries to the ear following surgery, as well as exercising the neck in extension positions, can also cause tinnitus.

Acoustic Neuroma

• A non-cancerous tumor called acoustic neuroma may also cause dizziness and ear-ringing. Found on the acoustic nerve between the brain and the inner ear, this benign growth may also cause hearing loss in addition to imbalance and ringing in the ear.

Inner Ear Infection

• You may also have an infection of the inner ear, for which your doctor can prescribe antibiotics which will clear up the infection and also the dizziness and ear-ringing.

Treatment

• Your primary care physician will likely refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, who will order an array of tests to determine the cause behind your symptoms. If your doctor cannot clear up the symptoms, he or she can suggest lifestyle changes to help you cope with the dizziness and ringing in the ears you experience.

  The majority of people with tinnitus will not require medical treatment. However, if you experience tinnitus with other symptoms, or if it does not go away, you should see your doctor.

  To reduce the ringing in your ears, cut back on alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Avoid nicotine, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, as they reduce blood flow to your ears. Exercise regularly in order to improve circulation. At the same time, be sure to limit exercises that require putting your neck in a hyperextended position.