What can I do about the dizziness that accompanies my otosclerosis?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Your doctor may suggest certain exercises that can help you learn to maintain your balance; a physical or occupational therapist may help you learn these exercises, too. Some drugs that can help reduce the feelings of dizziness include Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and meclizine (Antivert). Your doctor can help you determine if these medications might assist you.

You may wish to cut down on caffeine, since it can constrict your blood vessels and make you feel even more dizzy. If you can, sit or lie down when you feel dizzy, and make sure that your environment doesn't contain a lot of things you could trip over. If your dizziness is affecting your driving, you may wish to ask friends or family to drive you, or to travel another way (e.g. by public transit).

Continue Learning about Otosclerosis

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

If the person does not have much hearing loss, you may not need to do anything. If hearing loss is i...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

There is controversy around the reason why Beethoven, a musician born in the 1700s, became deaf late...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Although it isn't fully known why people get otosclerosis, there are several factors that are known ...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Otosclerosis cannot be prevented; the genetic link to developing otosclerosis means that people are ...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Otosclerosis

Your ears convert sound waves into electrical impulses and send them to the brain via your nerves, and you interpret these impulses as sound. In otosclerosis, abnormal bone growth interferes with the normal functioning of structures in your ear, which disrupts with the path of sound waves or nerve impulses. This can cause you to lose your hearing, sometimes severely. The type of hearing loss we have depends on what ear structure(s) are affected. No one is sure what causes otosclerosis, but it tends to run in families, and white, middle-age women are most often affected. Some say it is linked to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, whereas others associate it with viral infections (such as measles). If you experience even gradual hearing loss (for instance, if you can't hear someone whispering), dizziness, problems balancing, or a ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus), talk to your ENT (ears, nose, and throat) doctor. You may have otosclerosis.

Learn More