Melissa Kristelle Fling, AU.D.

Have you had a vestibular or balance evaluation with am audiologist? Typically, further specialty testing is done (i.e., videonystagmography, aka VNG, Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential, aka VEMP, etc.) to determine if there is a deficit or malfunction within one of the 5 vestibular organs that may be causing or contributing to symptoms of dizziness or imbalance. That would be the next step. Typically, your ENT physician will recommend further testing if he/she suspects your symptoms are due to vestibular malfunction. Depending on the results of that testing, a variety of treatment options may be recommended; however, the most common recommendation would be Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (i.e., VRT) with a physical therapist that specializes in the vestibular system. I hope that's helpful. 

Melissa Fling, Au.D.

It may be treatable; however, it may not be curable. The medical term for ringing or other sounds in the ears is "tinnitus". There are many causes for tinnitus. The number one cause is noise exposure, which can cause temporary or permanent damage to the hearing organ. If the damage is temporary, the tinnitus may be temporary as well; however, with repeated noise exposure, permanent damage can be done to the hearing organ, which causes tinnitus as a symptom. This tinnitus is generated in the brain due to hyperactivity. Currently, there is no known cure for this neuro-generated tinnitus; however, depending on whether or not there is hearing loss present, hearing aids would be a potential treatment option. In addition, temporary damage to the hearing organ may be treated by an ear, nose, and throat physician with a prescription anti-inflammatory medication such as a steroid. If the tinnitus is due to inflammation of the hearing organ due to noise exposure or something else, then the steroid can reduce inflammation and potentially reduce or get rid of the tinnitus.