Balance Problems: Double Vision & Ringing Ears

Double vision and ringing ears (tinnitus) are usually symptomatic of balance disorders--disturbances in the body's normal ability to accurately interpret its movements and orientation in space. These disturbances can variously have their source in ailments affecting the ear, brain, nervous system, or blood vessels

Symptoms

• The ability to balance properly relies on simultaneous sensory input from various areas of the body, including the eyes, ears, joints, muscles and the soles of the feet. Collectively, this information network is known as the vestibular system. Balance disorders typically occur when input from part of this system is disrupted. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders cites effects of balance disorders that include not only visual distortions and tinnitus but lightheadedness, dizziness, a spinning sensation (vertigo) and either falling or the false sensation of falling.

Causes

• Conditions that may be responsible for your symptoms range from infections to labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear;) Meniere's disease, which is caused by the excessive production of fluid inside your inner ear; stroke; multiple sclerosis.

Treatments

• Your double vision and tinnitus may have underlying medical conditions that need to be resolved. Your doctor may recommend treating problems in your vestibular system with a re-training technique called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT.)

  At the start of VRT, your symptoms will be assessed, along with your posture and balancing and movement capabilities. You will then receive a program of body, eye and head exercises, to be performed in a supervised setting and at home. Some of the exercises will be intended simply to strengthen your body and diminish your sensitivity to environmental triggers. Be aware that this exercise program may temporarily worsen your symptoms while you adjust to their effects.

  If your symptoms are caused by labyrinthitis, they may ease on their own in several weeks. But you may also require medical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines; nausea control medications such as compazine; or dizziness medications such as scopolamine. If your symptoms are more severe, he may also use corticosteroids such as prednisone, or a sedative such as diazepam (Valium.) In extreme cases, he may recommend surgical removal of all or part of your inner ear (labyrinthectomy.)

  If your symptoms are caused by Meniere's disease, you may be able to control them through changes in your diet, including reduced intake of sodium, caffeine and alcohol. If you smoke, quitting may also relieve your symptoms. Your doctor may also treat your condition with antibiotics, including streptomycin and gentamicin, or with surgery.