Clinical Cases / Trainee

Episodic vertigo and a blocked ear Trainee

Vignette

A 50-year-old describes recurrent attacks of spinning vertigo lasting an hour or two, with a roaring tinnitus and a sense of fullness in one ear. Between attacks, hearing on that side seems to come and go. Today's audiogram is shown.

-100204060801001202505001k2k4k8kFrequency (Hz)Hearing level (dB HL)
  • O Right ear, air
  • X Left ear, air
  • < Right ear, bone
  • > Left ear, bone

Signature: Unilateral low-frequency rising sensorineural loss; the other ear is normal.

Figure 1. The audiogram. The SISI is positive in the affected ear. No air–bone gap.

Question

Which diagnosis best fits this presentation?

References

  1. [13] Lopez-Escamez JA, Carey J, Chung WH, et al. (Bárány Society Classification Committee) (2015). Diagnostic criteria for Menière's disease.
  2. [15] Koenen L, Andaloro C (2023). Meniere disease.