That sounds like a really tough situation — dealing with sudden hearing loss and ongoing dizzy spells on top of 30+ years with MS is a lot to carry. It's great that you're already being seen by a vestibular clinic, as that's exactly the right step.
Dizziness and vertigo are very common with MS, affecting at least 1 in 3 Show Full Answer
That sounds like a really tough situation — dealing with sudden hearing loss and ongoing dizzy spells on top of 30+ years with MS is a lot to carry. It's great that you're already being seen by a vestibular clinic, as that's exactly the right step.
Dizziness and vertigo are very common with MS, affecting at least 1 in 3 people. The connection between your hearing and balance makes sense because MS lesions can form in the brainstem, which links the inner ear to the brain. When nerve fibers in this area lose their protective coating, dizziness can worsen. While waiting for your vestibular results, here are some things worth discussing with your healthcare team:
- Medications — Some MS medications can contribute to dizziness as a side effect
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy — This can include balance retraining and vision exercises to help reduce dizziness
- Over-the-counter options — Anti-nausea or motion sickness medications may offer some short-term relief
In the meantime, if your dizziness becomes severe or is accompanied by chest pain, intense headache, vomiting, or numbness in your face or limbs, seek emergency care right away.
Hang in there — getting those vestibular results should help point toward the right management plan for you.
July 23