Ear stones can be a real challenge for those affected. These tiny calcium particles in the inner ear play an important role in the sense of balance. However, if they become dislodged and move to another part of the ear, they can cause unpleasant symptoms. Sudden attacks of severe dizziness, severe nausea and/or unsteadiness when walking can be the first signs of this. Below you can find out which symptoms are typical and how we can help you.

What are ear stones?

Ear stones, medically known as otholites, are tiny, calcareous particles in the ear. Inner ear. They are part of the so-called vestibular organ, which is located in the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear. Their main function is to perceive movements of the head and transmit them to the brain. In this way, they help to maintain balance and enable orientation in space.

The otholites sit on a gel-like membrane in the so-called utriculus and sacculus, two special areas of the vestibular organ. When you move your head, the stones move and exert pressure on the underlying sensory cells. This movement is converted into electrical signals and sent to the brain.

Problems can arise when ear stones become dislodged and enter areas of the inner ear where they do not belong - e.g. the semicircular canals. As a result, the sensory cells transmit incorrect signals to the brain. This can trigger so-called benign positional vertigo and more.

Ear stone symptoms: Unpleasant and sometimes frightening

Otholites can cause various symptoms:

Sudden positional vertigo

Normally, sensory hairs and fluid in the semicircular canals of the ear register the movements of the head and send precise signals to the brain. However, when ear stones enter the semicircular canals, they cause additional movements of the fluid, which the brain perceives as contradictory information. This results in the typical spinning sensation that characterises positional vertigo. The Dizziness often occurs suddenly and lasts only a few seconds to minutes.

This worrying symptom is usually triggered by certain head movements such as lying down, standing up, turning in bed or stretching the head. Although this unpleasant dizziness is usually harmless, it can significantly impair quality of life and even increase the risk of falling in some situations.

Uncertainty when walking

Another typical indication that otholites have become detached in the inner ear is gait instability. As part of the vestibular system, ear stones normally ensure that you perceive movements correctly. However, the brain is irritated by the change of location and the associated disturbed signal processing, which can have an effect on your safe gait.

This then becomes wobbly and/or unsteady - especially on uneven ground or when changing direction quickly. Everyday situations can become challenging as a result. Many sufferers develop a fear of losing their balance and falling.

Nausea and vomiting

They are one of the frequent side effects that can be triggered by ear stones. The sensory conflicts with which the brain is confronted often lead to activation of the vomiting centre and thus to nausea and/or vomiting.

The result is a queasy feeling in the stomach, which can intensify when the head moves. These reactions are comparable to travel sickness, where similar contradictions between sensory impressions occur.

Disorientation

The organ of balance in the inner ear normally works closely with the eyes and sensory nerves to accurately detect the position of the body in space. However, the incorrect position of the ear stones results in contradictory information that the brain cannot process correctly.

In some cases, this leads to a feeling of disorientation, which can be characterised by uncertainty when moving, difficulties with spatial perception or even confusion. Those affected are often unable to concentrate on their surroundings as the co-operation between the eyes and the vestibular system is impaired.

Situations such as walking on uneven ground or rapid head movements can increase disorientation.

Diagnosis of ear stones in our ENT clinic in Frankfurt

If you experience the above symptoms and they recur, you should have them examined by an ENT specialist. At our practice clinic in Frankfurt, we usually diagnose ear stones using specific positioning tests. This involves placing your head in certain positions in order to provoke the symptoms and observe the reaction of your vestibular system. Characteristic eye movements, known as nystagmus, are an indication of the incorrect position of the ear stones.

In some cases, we also use further examinations to confirm the diagnosis. This includes, for example, a video analysis of eye movements (Video-ENG).

The tests help to determine the exact location of the ear stones in the semicircular canals of the inner ear so that targeted treatment can be carried out.

Treating the symptoms of ear stones

Ear stones are usually treated using special positioning manoeuvres that return the loosened ear stones to their original position in the organ of balance. A frequently used procedure is the Epley manoeuvre, in which we move your head in a specific sequence to guide the ear stones out of the semicircular canals. In most cases, this can quickly and effectively alleviate the symptoms.

We will also show you exercises that you can do yourself if you feel that the stones have shifted again.

If necessary, anti-dizziness or anti-nausea medication can also be used to control the symptoms. If the symptoms persist beyond this, further therapeutic measures or physiotherapy exercises to stabilise balance are advisable.

Ear stones symptoms: Treatment in Frankfurt

Diagnosis and treatment of ear stones require experience and targeted methods to effectively alleviate the symptoms. The team at our ENT practice clinic Goethe10 in Frankfurt has extensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders, positional vertigo and the like.

With modern Examination procedure and customised treatment methods, we can alleviate your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

Simply contact us to arrange an appointment!

Free, undisturbed nasal breathing contributes significantly to quality of life and well-being. However, anyone who suffers from restricted nasal breathing knows the effects on sleep, concentration and general fitness only too well. There are many causes that can lead to a blocked nose or breathing problems - from simple dryness to chronic inflammation or anatomical restrictions. Fortunately, however, there are various ways to improve nasal breathing in the long term. In the following, we will show you effective options and modern treatment methods that will allow you to breathe freely again.

What can restrict nasal breathing?

Various factors and medical conditions can obstruct nasal breathing. The most common causes include

• Curvature of the nasal septum (deviated septum)
  A crooked nasal septum can narrow the airways and thus hinder breathing. This anatomical deviation is one of the most common causes of breathing problems through the nose.
• Enlarged turbinates (Nasal concha hyperplasia)
  The turbinates are folds of mucous membrane in the nose that can swell in the event of inflammation or irritation. Permanent enlargement, often caused by allergies or chronic inflammation, can narrow the airways.
• Nasal polyps
  These benign growths on the nasal mucosa can be caused by chronic inflammation, for example. Polyps constrict the airways and make nasal breathing difficult, especially when they grow larger.
• Sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses)
  In sinusitis, the mucous membranes of the sinuses become inflamed, which can lead to persistent congestion and a feeling of pressure in the nose.
• Allergies
  Pollen, house dust mites, animal hair and other allergens can trigger swelling and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose. This often leads to an unpleasant blockage of the nasal passages.
• Injuries and traumas
  Injuries to the nose, e.g. due to accidents or blows, can lead to deformations or swelling that impair the flow of air through the nose.
• Dryness and mucous membrane irritation
  Dry air, pollutants or even cigarette smoke can dry out the nasal mucous membranes and cause irritation. This can make it difficult to breathe through the nose.
• Tumours
  In rare cases, tumours in the nasal or sinus region can also block nasal breathing.

Basic tips to improve nasal breathing: What you can do yourself

There are some simple and effective measures you can take yourself to improve your nasal breathing and keep your nose clear:

• Inhalations
  Inhaling with salt water, saline solution, camomile or essential oils helps to moisturise the mucous membranes and loosen encrustations.
• Nasal rinses
  Saline solutions can also help to flush mucus and dirt out of the nose and relieve inflammation. You can use special nasal rinsing systems that are available in pharmacies.
• Humidity in the room
  Dry air irritates the nasal mucous membranes. Therefore, use humidifiers, especially in the winter months, to make the air in living and working spaces more humid.
• Regular exercise
  Sporting activities such as running or cycling promote blood circulation and can also help to keep the airways clear. Moderate exercise gets the circulation going and makes it easier to breathe through the nose.
• Balanced diet and fluid intake
  Drink enough water to keep your mucous membranes moisturised. A diet rich in vitamins also strengthens your immune system and can prevent inflammation.
• Breathing exercises
  Special breathing techniques such as the Buteyko method or yoga breathing exercises (pranayama) strengthen awareness of breathing and promote relaxed nasal breathing.
• Stop smoking
  Cigarette smoke irritates the airways and dries out the nasal mucous membranes. Quitting smoking has positive effects on breathing and improves your nasal breathing in the long term.
• Avoid allergy triggers
  If you are allergic to certain substances, try to stay away from them as much as possible. Pollen allergy sufferers are advised to keep windows closed or use air filters during the pollen season.
• Nose plasters for the night
  Special nasal plasters that slightly lift the nostrils can improve the air supply at night and make it easier for you to breathe through your nose.

Improve nasal breathing: Medical help is needed in these cases

In some cases, restricted nasal breathing may be due to more serious causes that require medical treatment. In these situations, it is advisable to make an appointment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt to be agreed:

• Chronic nasal congestion for no apparent reason
  If your nose is constantly blocked for weeks or months without a cold, allergy or other obvious cause, the cause could be a structural abnormality such as a deviated nasal septum or chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes.
• Pain and a feeling of pressure in the nasal and sinus region
  Persistent pain, pressure in the face or headaches that worsen when bending forward can indicate sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can often only be treated by a doctor.
• Frequent shortness of breath or difficulty sleeping
  Breathing problems that affect your night's sleep or lead to Breathing interruptions should definitely be checked out by a doctor. Sleep apnoea can put long-term strain on the cardiovascular system and severely impair quality of life.
• Bloody discharge or heavy crust formation
  If your nose bleeds regularly or crusts form constantly, this could indicate a serious inflammation of the mucous membranes or a tumour in the nose that requires medical clarification.
• Recurrent infections and inflammations
  If you suffer from frequent nasal and sinus infections, there could be an underlying anatomical cause. For example, enlarged turbinates or nasal polyps often need to be treated surgically.
• Difficulty breathing through the nose after an injury
  Injuries or fractures to the nose can cause deformation or narrowing of the nasal passages. In such cases, surgery is often necessary to restore nasal breathing.
• Growth of nasal polyps
  If benign growths such as polyps develop in the nose or paranasal sinuses, these can block the airways and often require surgical removal.

Treatment of nasal complaints: We at the Goethe10 ENT practice clinic in Frankfurt are here for you

As ENT doctors in Frankfurt, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and treatment for various diseases that can affect nasal breathing.

In addition to these specific treatments, we offer comprehensive ENT diagnostics and therapy - also for Dizziness, Allergies, sudden deafness and Tinnitus - to. With personalised advice and modern treatment methods, we help you to breathe freely again.

Rotational vertigo can occur suddenly and without warning, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Sufferers experience an apparent movement of their surroundings - and this can be not only uncomfortable but also frightening. Many people do not realise that there are effective ways to treat this form of vertigo and alleviate the symptoms. This article will provide you with helpful information on causes, tips and proven therapeutic approaches to help you regain stability and confidence in your everyday life.

What is rotary vertigo?

Rotational vertigo is a special form of vertigo in which those affected have the feeling that their surroundings or they themselves are spinning on their own axis. This sensation is usually very intense and is often accompanied by a strong feeling of insecurity. For many people, it is as if they are on a merry-go-round, even though they are not moving. This illusion of rotation can occur both horizontally and vertically.

In addition to the perception of dizziness, it is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating or a feeling of light-headedness. The intensity and duration of an attack of vertigo vary greatly: some sufferers experience short attacks that only last a few seconds, while others can be affected for hours.

Rotational vertigo also frequently occurs in certain situations, such as when standing up quickly, turning your head or after a sudden change of position.

What are the causes of rotary vertigo?

The unpleasant feeling can have various causes. The most common causes include

Diagnostics for rotary vertigo: examinations at your ENT clinic in Frankfurt

In order to treat torsional vertigo, thorough examinations are required to identify the cause of the symptoms. In our ENT clinic in Frankfurt we use a combination of questioning (anamnesis), physical examination and special tests.

Medical history

The first step is to take a detailed medical history, during which we ask you about your vertigo symptoms and possible triggers. Typical questions include

• When do the dizziness attacks occur? (sudden, slowly developing)
• How long do the dizzy spells last?
• Is the dizziness triggered by certain movements or situations? (e.g. when turning the head, when standing up)
• Are there accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, tinnitus or headaches?
• Have you recently had any infections (e.g. respiratory tract infections) or head injuries?

Clinical examination

The medical history is followed by a physical examination focussing on the vestibular system, eye movements and hearing. The most important examinations include

• Examination of eye movements (nystagmus)
  We check whether there are uncontrolled, rhythmic eye movements that indicate a disorder of the balance system. Nystagmus often occurs with rotational vertigo and indicates whether the inner ear or the central nervous system is affected.
• Balance test
  We then carry out balance tests. For example, you have to stand still with your eyes closed or stand on the spot. This allows us to determine whether there are any fluctuations or instability. We also put you in a special position to specifically provoke the dizziness. If rotational vertigo occurs together with nystagmus during this movement, this is an indication of BPLS.
• Hearing tests (audiometry)
  If you notice hearing loss or tinnitus, we will close Hearing tests on. This allows us to determine the extent of the hearing loss. This may indicate Menière's disease or labyrinthitis, for example.
• Video electronystagmography (Video-ENG)
  We measure your eye movements using cameras and electrodes. They help to determine whether the dizziness is caused by a disorder of the inner ear or the vestibular nerve.
• Calorific test
  Another diagnostic option is to introduce air into the inner ear to induce nystagmus. This helps to determine whether both inner ears react normally to stimuli. If there are deviations, this is an indication of a disorder of the balance system.
• Ear canal test
  With this examination, we measure the pressure in your middle ear and check the mobility of your eardrum. This allows us to check for middle ear diseases.
• Imaging procedures
  In certain cases, especially if we cannot clearly assign the dizziness to a specific cause or if other neurological symptoms are present, further examinations are useful. An MRI scan, for example, can detect tumours and other structural problems in the brain or inner ear. A CT scan can be used, for example, to detect fractures of the temporal bone or other injuries to the skull that can cause rotational vertigo.

Treating torsional vertigo: Options at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt

We are at your side to treat your spinning vertigo. The therapy depends on the underlying cause. The treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms, eliminate the triggers and improve your quality of life in the long term. Here are the most important treatment approaches:

Drug therapy

In the case of acute attacks of vertigo or chronic vertigo, we can prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms. These include, for example

• Antivertiginosa
  Medications with active ingredients such as dimenhydrinate or betahistine act on the vestibular system and can help to control dizziness.
• Antiemetics
  Agents such as metoclopramide can treat nausea and vomiting, which are often accompanied by spinning dizziness.
• Corticosteroids
  For certain conditions such as vestibular neuronitis, we can prescribe cortisone. The medication can reduce the inflammation of the vestibular nerve and speed up recovery.

Positioning therapy for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

The main treatment method for BPLS, a common cause of rotary vertigo, is so-called positional therapy. The aim is to move the dissolved calcium crystals (otoliths), which are located in the semicircular canals of the inner ear, back into the utricle (the Organ of equilibrium). To do this, we use special manoeuvres that put you in certain positions to move the crystals by gravity.

These positioning manoeuvres are very effective and often lead to immediate relief from the symptoms of dizziness.

Treatment of Menière's disease

There are several treatment options available for Meniere's disease:

• Diuretics
  Dehydration medication can help to reduce the fluid pressure in the inner ear. This can reduce the frequency of vertigo attacks.
• Betahistine
  This medication can improve blood circulation in the inner ear.
• Gentamicin injections
  In severe cases, we can inject gentamicin into the middle ear to reduce the function of the vestibular organ on the affected side. This will control the vertigo attacks, but with the risk of Hearing loss on the treated side.

Treatment of vestibular neuronitis

If the vestibular nerve is inflamed, corticosteroids can help to reduce the inflammation and speed up recovery in the early phase. Vestibular neuroticism can also be treated with antivertiginous drugs. These drugs can alleviate the acute symptoms of vertigo.

Treatment of perilymphatic fistulas

The therapy depends on the severity of the fistula:

• Conservative treatment
  In mild cases, we recommend rest and avoiding physical exertion to support the healing of the fistula.
• Surgical treatment
  In severe cases, where the fistula does not close by itself, surgery may be necessary.

Treatment of migraine-associated dizziness

Beta blockers, antiepileptic drugs or antidepressants can help to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and the associated dizziness.

Treating rotary vertigo: General tips

There are some general tips and measures that you can take yourself to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures or to deal with them better.

Treating torsional vertigo in Frankfurt

Rotational vertigo can have a major impact on life, but can be effectively alleviated with targeted treatments such as positioning manoeuvres, medication and balance exercises.

We are your experienced contact partners for a comprehensive Vertigo diagnostics and individual Dizziness therapy. With state-of-the-art procedures and customised treatment plans, we help you to sustainably improve your vertigo symptoms and restore your quality of life.

Simply contact us to arrange an appointment!

We usually take hearing sounds and music clearly and without restriction for granted. However, it often happens quickly and something changes in our hearing perception, which can be very disturbing and frightening. This includes, for example, numbness in the ear. This gives the impression that part of the ear or even the entire ear is anaesthetised, as if cotton wool had been inserted into it. This impression is reinforced by the feeling that sounds are coming from far away. Numbness in the ear can be a warning sign. How they can occur and when you should contact our ENT practice in Frankfurt we explain in this article.

Possible causes of numbness in the ear

Cold

A comparatively banal cause of numbness in the ear is the common cold. The middle ear is not properly ventilated due to blockage of the nose and possibly also the sinuses. This can also lead to an accumulation of fluid and/or inflammation, resulting in discomfort.

Earwax plug

A feeling of pressure, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness or deafness can have another simple cause: An unusual build-up of earwax at the end of the ear canal, which can form a compact mass. This can adhere to the eardrum or block the ear. If we remove the blockage, there is usually an immediate improvement.

Otitis media

Otitis media occurs when a virus or bacterium causes an infection in the middle ear. In this case, the ear becomes blocked with mucus and/or fluid. This is accompanied by symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the ear region, nausea and/or fever. Otitis media can be very painful.

Problems with the Eustachian tube

The Eustachian tube is a canal that connects the middle ear with the upper part of the throat. It also controls the pressure in the middle ear. If the Eustachian tube narrows or becomes blocked, e.g. due to inflammation, an inflammation of the middle ear can develop with all the associated symptoms, including numbness.

Migraine

Migraine attacks are severe headaches that occur in attacks - usually on one side of the head only. This is a neurological disorder. Movement, light and noise exacerbate the pain. The attacks can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some patients suffer from a special form of migraine and have an aura. This refers to symptoms/neurological deficits that precede the headache. These can include loss of vision, numbness in the cheek or ear, speech disorders and signs of paralysis. Although migraines cannot be completely cured, they can be treated well.

Ear canal exostosis

With ear canal exostosis, water accumulates in the ear. Bacteria and fungi can proliferate in it. This causes the external auditory canal to become inflamed, which is accompanied by pain, redness and numbness in the ear. This is also referred to as surfer's ear.

Circulatory disorders

Also in the Ear there may be circulatory problems. This results in a dull feeling and the ear feels numb - similar to a foot that has fallen asleep. The blood vessels that supply the ear are very fine. Accordingly, they are very sensitive and a disturbance can quickly become noticeable. In addition to deafness, there are often other symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pressure, ringing in the ears, dizziness and nausea. However, it is usually difficult to determine the actual causes of the circulatory disorder in the ears. In many cases, various factors interact, such as deposits in the arteries. If blood fats and calcium clog the blood vessels, the fine branches in the ear (and other areas) cannot be sufficiently supplied with blood. However, skull injuries or blockages in the cervical spine can also impair the proper blood supply to the ear. Stress can be another cause. General risk factors are advanced age, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, high blood lipid levels, obesity, smoking and frequent alcohol consumption.

sudden deafness

Ear infarction, more commonly known as sudden hearing loss, can also be associated with circulatory disorders. This causes hearing loss in the inner ear, which can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Typically, sudden hearing loss is accompanied by a dull, furry feeling in the ear - as if cotton wool were stuck in it. Tinnitus can also occur. The finding must be taken seriously, but is not an emergency.

Treatment of ear numbness in our ENT practice in Frankfurt

The specific treatment for ear numbness depends on the cause.

If you are generally not feeling well, the situation with your ears worries you and you cannot link the complaints to a direct cause, then please make an appointment at our practice. On the basis of a careful examination, we can, for example, use otoscopy or the Hearing and dizziness diagnostics get an overview of the health of your ears. Radiological examination methods (MRI or CT) may be required.

We initiate treatment based on the results of the examination. This may, for example, consist of administering medication such as antibiotics or cortisone. At our ENT practice in Frankfurt, we also offer the special Hearing loss and tinnitus therapy on. Sometimes the support of other medical colleagues or physiotherapists is also required.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

© "Ear Damage And Hear Problems, Damage Aid" by Andrey Popov, stock.adobe.com

The ears are complex sensory organs that enable us to hear. They are also connected to the vestibular system. Due to their complicated anatomical structure, however, they are also susceptible to various diseases. These can have far-reaching consequences and can be perceived by patients as very disturbing and impairing. We explain the most common ear diseases in this blog post.

Overview of common ear diseases

Inflammations

Viruses and bacteria can lead to ear infections. Depending on the areas affected, they can be categorised as inner ear infections (otitis interna), middle ear infections (otitis media) and ear canal infections (otitis externa). Infections of the ears are usually accompanied by pain and hearing loss. Itching, ear discharge and tinnitus can also occur. In most cases, treatment involves the administration of medication.

Cholesteatoma

This is a purulent inflammation of the middle ear caused by a benign ingrowth. It is usually accompanied by earaches and headaches. Over time, the cholesteatoma can also damage other areas of the ear. The cause of the ear disease is an eardrum defect or a chronic middle ear infection. In some cases, cholesteatoma is also congenital. For complete healing, it usually requires a ENT surgery.

Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease affects the inner ear. The disease is accompanied by a characteristic triad of symptoms: hearing loss, tinnitus and spinning dizziness that occurs in fits and starts. You can find out more about the disease and its treatment in our blog post: "Meniere's disease therapy: How the ear disease can be treated"

Otosclerosis

Hardening and new bone formation on the malleus, incus and stapes can lead to the ossicles no longer being able to transmit sound sufficiently. This can lead, for example, to ringing in the ears and hearing loss (especially at low frequencies). This process can be caused by viral infections, faulty autoimmune processes or a genetic disposition. Hearing can be restored through surgery.

Usher syndrome

Usher syndrome is a hereditary disease that causes degeneration of the retina and the fine hair cells in the inner ear. This results in slowly progressive damage to vision and hearing. The progression of the disease can be slowed down by specialised medical treatment.

Injuries to the eardrum

An accident, a fall, a loud bang or careless cleaning with a cotton bud: External influences can lead to a rupture of the eardrum. If it is only a small tear, the eardrum injury can heal on its own. In more severe cases, reconstructive surgery is necessary.

Tympanic effusion

The tympanic cavity is a cavity behind the eardrum in the middle ear. A slight negative pressure develops here from time to time. It can usually be equalised by swallowing or yawning. In some cases, e.g. due to a cold, secretions can accumulate in the tympanic cavity and can no longer drain away. This results in an unpleasant feeling of pressure and/or hearing loss. Sometimes viruses and bacteria also enter the ear area via the secretions, which can lead to an inflammation of the middle ear. If the secretions do not drain away on their own within a few days, treatment is required at our practice. We use the so-called tympanostomy tube to drain the secretions.

Ear stones

Tiny so-called otholites, i.e. ear stones, can become loose in the ear, e.g. due to jerky movements of the head, and enter the semicircular canals of the vestibular system. This causes dizziness or positional vertigo. In our practice, we will show you certain movement exercises that you can use to get the ear stones out of the semicircular canals.

Barotrauma

Changes in pressure in the middle ear (such as when diving or flying) can cause barotrauma. This is accompanied by severe ear pain, dizziness and severe nausea. If the pressure changes are particularly severe and sudden, the eardrum may rupture or even bleed in the middle ear. Treatment involves the administration of cortisone. In some cases, surgery is advisable.

Tinnitus and sudden hearing loss: separate ear disease or additional symptom

Tinnitus

A whistling, hissing, beeping or ringing sound in the Ear is known as tinnitus. The ringing in the ears can occur acutely, but can also become chronic. In some ear diseases (e.g. middle ear inflammation), tinnitus is a typical symptom of the disease, but noise pollution or stress are also often the cause. If you suffer from ringing in the ears, it is important to investigate the cause. You can find out more about the triggers of tinnitus and its treatment in the blog post: "What causes tinnitus?"

sudden deafness

In the case of sudden sudden deafness, there is a sudden hearing loss on one side, more rarely on both sides, or even hearing loss. Those affected also complain of a feeling of pressure in the ear and the occurrence of ringing in the ears. The cause of sudden hearing loss can be, for example, poor blood circulation in the inner ear or stress. You can find more information on the causes and treatment in our blog post: "Causes of sudden hearing loss"

Hearing loss: not just a matter of age

One of the most common problems relating to the ears is hearing loss and hearing impairment. There are three types of hearing loss:

Conductive hearing loss

In this case, the sound waves reach your inner ear in a reduced form or even not at all. In this case, you perceive everyday sounds much more quietly and feel as if you are hearing through cotton wool. This form of hearing loss is caused, for example, by a malformation or blockage of the ear canal. If conductive hearing loss occurs in the middle ear, it is often the result of an infection.

Sensorineural hearing loss

This form of hearing loss usually affects the inner ear. Although the sound waves are transmitted from the eardrum and the ossicles to the inner ear, they are not processed and transmitted correctly there.

Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused, for example, by prolonged exposure to loud noise. In this case, we speak of noise-induced hearing loss.
The most common form, however, is age-related hearing loss, which is primarily caused by the effects of natural degeneration processes in the body.

Combined conductive sensorineural hearing loss

In this case, the restrictions of the middle ear and inner ear occur simultaneously.

Treating common ear diseases and more: Your ENT doctor in Frankfurt Dr Fischer

If you are suffering from sudden or increasingly severe ear complaints, please make an appointment at our ENT practice in Frankfurt. Based on a precise diagnosis, we determine what you are suffering from and can determine a customised treatment for you.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

© "Senior woman with pierced ears in a profile shot" by Rawpixel, elements.envato.com

Rotational vertigo, which occurs in attacks and is accompanied by ringing in the ears and hearing loss, is a sign of Meniere's disease. This is a disease of the inner ear. It is presumably caused by excess pressure that manifests itself there. The disease cannot be cured, but with the right treatment for Meniere's disease, we can reduce the severity and frequency of the attacks.

Changes in the inner ear due to Menière's disease

Prosper Menière, a French physician, described inner ear disease as early as 1861. It was therefore named after him. According to current knowledge, there is still no clear cause for Meniere's disease. Scientists associate various factors with the occurrence of inner ear disease. These include frequent viral infections (e.g. herpes virus), immunological diseases, injuries, hormonal disorders, circulatory disorders and a family predisposition.

The most popular theory is that of changes in the inner ear. It houses the cochlea and the organ of balance, as well as two different fluids: the perilymph and the endolymph. They are in a sensitive balance and characterise the function of the organ. In Meniere's disease, the resorption of the potassium-rich endolymph in the inner ear appears to be disturbed.

This causes too much fluid to accumulate, which increases the pressure in the inner ear (endolymphatic hydrops). This is probably due to the fact that the inside of the cochlea is lined with a membranous membrane - the Reissner membrane - which tears here and there due to the high pressure. However, the thin cell membrane is equipped with sensory cells for hearing and balance.

It also separates the perilymph and the endolymph. The tears cause the two fluids to mix, which disturbs their balance. Furthermore, the tears lead to a sudden change in the pressure conditions in the ear. This results in a malfunction of the sensory cells. This explains the symptoms of Menière's disease.

Menière's triad: three characteristic symptoms of Menière's disease

Rotational vertigo

Typical for Menière's disease is a strong Rotational vertigowhich occurs in attacks. Patients have the feeling that their surroundings are spinning around them very quickly - comparable to a ride on a merry-go-round. The vertigo attacks are sometimes even so severe that those affected have to lie down. Rotational vertigo often causes nausea, vomiting and even falls. Patients find this symptom particularly distressing as the dizziness occurs suddenly and without warning. It can last for hours or even days.

Tinnitus

In addition to the attacks of vertigo, around 90 % of Meniere's disease patients suffer from ringing in the ears. They hear a buzzing, whistling, hissing or ringing that has no localisable source - i.e. does not exist objectively. In Menière's disease, the Tinnitus often low-frequency. This means that the ringing in the ears tends to be perceived as low-pitched. In addition, there is often a humming, rushing noise.

Hearing loss / hearing impairment

The third typical symptom of Meniere's disease is hearing loss, which usually only affects one ear. Patients hear significantly worse, especially in the lower frequency range. Usually only one ear is affected, but as the disease progresses, the hearing loss can also spread to the second ear. Complete deafness is even possible.

In addition to this characteristic triad, other symptoms can also occur. For example, those affected often become pale and sweaty. Their eyes may start to tremble (nystagmus).

How we can treat the disease

Meniere's disease is very stressful for patients, as the attacks occur suddenly. Especially for older patients, who already have an increased tendency to fall, torsional vertigo is particularly dangerous. The aim of Meniere's disease therapy is to reduce the symptoms during an acute attack and to prevent new attacks. There are various options for this:

Acute therapy

We achieve good results with anti-dizziness medication (antivertiginosa). There are various active ingredients (e.g. dimenhydrinate or, in particularly severe cases, diazepam). Patients take them to combat the acute attack of dizziness and against the nausea/vomiting. We recommend that patients carry the tablets with them at all times so that they can react immediately in the event of a sudden attack.

Prophylaxis: Prevention of new seizures

In addition to acute treatment, Ménière's disease therapy also aims to reduce the number of attacks that occur. Here, too, we can use various medical agents, such as betahistine. With the right dose, customised to the patient, the occurrence of symptoms can be significantly reduced. The medication does not have to be taken at a high dose on a permanent basis: After six months to a year, we can try to slowly reduce the dose.

Intratympanic corticosteroid therapy with the anti-inflammatory cortisone is also suitable as a preventive measure. Under local anaesthetic, we inject the medication through the eardrum into the middle ear. This allows it to reach the inner ear, where it can exert its anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor effects.

Psychological support

Supportive psychological care can also be useful for patients, as the unpredictable attacks sometimes place a heavy psychological burden on patients.

Treatment of the vestibular system

Another, albeit radical, option for treating Meniere's disease is to "switch off" the vestibular organ. This is possible by administering medication. This involves injecting a specific antibiotic into the middle ear, which renders the organ of balance in the inner ear non-functional. Surgical intervention is also an option. However, this form of treatment can have serious side effects, such as hearing loss, deafness or a complete loss of the sense of balance.

Alternative forms of treatment

There are also homeopathic treatment approaches to treat Meniere's disease. It is recommended to take Cocculus D6 three times a day. Tabacum D12 can probably interrupt an acute attack. Another supportive therapy is acupuncture or targeted balance training.

Meniere's disease therapy in Frankfurt

If you suffer from the symptoms described, a visit to our ENT clinic in Frankfurt is absolutely necessary. Special examination methods and the Hearing and dizziness diagnostics we will find out whether you suffer from Menière's disease and can recommend a suitable therapy for you.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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If you have just danced an intense waltz, held your breath too long, taken a ride on a merry-go-round or indulged in one too many glasses of alcohol, it can happen that "everything spins". In addition to these harmless feelings of dizziness, there are also those that can be interpreted as alarm signals from the brain. If dizziness occurs repeatedly, suddenly or for no recognisable reason, it is possible that something is out of balance in your body.

There are different types of dizziness

Would you have thought that there isn't just one type of con? Take a look at how the different types are described:

• Vertigo
  Swaying while standing - like reeds in the wind - is how swaying vertigo is described. Those affected often also have the feeling that their surroundings are swaying back and forth.
• Lift vertigo
  You probably remember the feeling of standing in a lift and being pulled up. Some people experience this even without a lift. This is known as lift vertigo.
• Rotational vertigo
  "It's spinning!" Patients have the feeling that their surroundings are spinning around them.
• Dizziness dizziness
  This dizziness often occurs with hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia, but can also occur with eye problems or as a result of medication. Patients feel dizzy or even groggy.
• Dizziness with a tendency to fall
  These feelings can even go so far that patients feel as if they are going to collapse and tip forwards or sideways. Caution is required here, especially with older patients.
• Vertigo
  This is the name given to the feeling of dizziness that some patients experience when they are in an elevated position.
• Travel sickness
  Travelling by car, bus, train, plane or boat can also cause dizziness in some people.

Possible causes of dizziness

Sometimes the spinning dizziness described above comes on suddenly. It lasts for a few seconds and then disappears again. It is possible that "ear stones" are behind this, which are deposited in the semicircular canals of the inner ear and cause irritation. However, these attacks can also result from a dysfunction of the vestibular organ or the vestibular nerves.

Sudden attacks of vertigo, which are accompanied by spinning or swaying vertigo and last for seconds, minutes or even hours, are often caused by inflammation of the inner ear or middle ear or certain vascular changes. Circulatory disorders or vascular calcification can also be to blame for the dizziness.

A sudden drop in blood pressure is often accompanied by spinning dizziness that ends in fainting dizziness. This type of dizziness is common during puberty, but also in cases of nerve disorders or Parkinson's disease.

If vertigo lasts for days to weeks or even longer, this is an indication of a one-sided loss of the vestibular system. However, this dizziness can also be the result of an inflammation of the middle ear. Injuries to the base of the skull or the so-called Baro traumaThe air pressure, which can occur when diving or due to changes in air pressure when an aeroplane is landing, sometimes causes damage to the ear area and thus also triggers feelings of dizziness. Damage to the cervical spine can also cause dizziness if it has a negative effect on blood vessels and nerve tracts.

Vertigo diagnostics Frankfurt

Do you experience severe or recurring and, above all, worrying dizziness? Is the dizziness accompanied by headaches, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, fever or shortness of breath? Then you should definitely have this checked out medically!

As part of our Hearing and dizziness diagnostics we have various test methods at our disposal to check the function of your middle ear, inner ear, auditory pathway and balance organs.

Depending on the cause, a Dizziness therapy in Frankfurt are used by us.

Dizziness therapy Frankfurt

Are you experiencing severe/recurring/disturbing dizziness? Then you should have this clarified by us. We offer various treatment options as part of our dizziness therapy in Frankfurt.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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In addition to preventive measures relevant to all ENT areas such as Endoscopies and sampling we carry out specific diagnostic and treatment measures in the area of the throat, nose and ears.

Which In this article, we will show you in detail what our ENT medicine involves.

HNO-Heilkunde Frankfurt: Throat

Even if the H in ENT explicitly refers to the neck area: The treatment spectrum is not limited to this area. Functional disorders in the following areas are treated within the scope of ENT medicine:

• Larynx
• Throat
• Mouth
• Oesophagus and lower and upper airways.

The surgical procedures we perform in the throat area include vocal fold and laryngeal surgery, operations on the salivary glands and neck - for example as a result of tumours or enlarged lymph nodes - as well as tonsillectomies.

ENT Medicine Frankfurt: Nose

A large part of our daily treatments is carried out in the area of the nose. In our clinic, we offer the following services in this context:

• We identify allergies such as hay fever in the course of our Allergy diagnostics.
• Our range of aesthetic services includes Rhinoplasty and Nose surgery
• We treat snoring, headaches, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and other complaints, e.g. by means of nasal septum surgery.
• Our portfolio also includes paranasal sinus surgery.
• We get to the bottom of the cause of your nocturnal snoring as part of snoring therapy.

HNO-Heilkunde Frankfurt: Ears

The functional disorders in the ear area treated by ENT medicine are varied. They range from sudden hearing loss and ringing in the ears to dizziness caused by dysfunction of the balance organs in the inner ear. We carry out the following diagnostic and treatment methods:

• Treatment of sudden deafness and tinnitus - for example with an infusion or Tinnitus therapy,
• Hearing and vertigo diagnostics, vertigo therapy,
• Ear correction resp. Otoplasty for protruding ears and
• Middle ear surgery to improve hearing.

ENT doctor Frankfurt

As an experienced ENT doctor answers yournes Dr Thomas Fischer will be happy to answer your questions about the range of ENT services. Please feel free to contact our Practice and tell us about your symptoms. We will develop a therapy together with you!

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!