ENT doctors explain the three symptoms, treatment, and self-help methods for ear water imbalance and dizziness.

The symptoms of ear water imbalance are more than just dizziness. They also include tinnitus and hearing loss. To be diagnosed with ear water imbalance (also known as Meniere’s disease), all three symptoms must be present and recurring. Although there is no complete cure for ear water imbalance, medication and lifestyle adjustments can help control the symptoms and reduce their impact on hearing and daily life.

The cause of ear water imbalance is unknown, but it is believed to be related to excessive secretion of inner ear fluid, poor drainage or circulation, or even an autoimmune attack on inner ear tissues. When the pressure in the ear rises, it affects the operation of the inner ear, which can cause dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

The inner ear’s cochlea and semicircular canals are responsible for hearing and balance. When the pressure increases, it affects the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to symptoms that affect hearing. If the pressure causes the transport tube of ear fluid to rupture, it can also affect the balance system, causing dizziness and vertigo.

Anxiety, stress, and poor sleep quality can increase the risk of ear water imbalance. Patients may experience warning signs such as ear swelling or tinnitus before the onset of dizziness. During this time, patients should avoid walking or driving and focus on a point to combat dizziness and shorten the duration of the symptoms.

Electrocochleography can be used to diagnose water imbalance in the ear if the patient has recurring symptoms and other conditions have been ruled out. Although there is no complete cure, appropriate treatment can slow down the continuous deterioration of hearing.

Currently, surgery is rarely used to treat ear water imbalance. Only patients with severe hearing loss may receive medication injections to kill inner ear cells to prevent dizziness, but they may lose their remaining hearing. Patients who frequently relapse can use medications to improve ear pressure and promote ear fluid circulation to reduce the occurrence of symptoms.

Meniere’s disease is uncommon, and only about one-third of patients who seek treatment for dizziness have it. It mainly occurs in young to middle-aged people, and children and elderly people rarely experience it. If you experience dizziness, seek medical attention to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment to effectively relieve symptoms.