Episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss due to excess endolymph in the inner ear define which disorder?

• A. Meniere disease
• B. Labyrinthitis
• C. Vestibular neuritis
• D. Benign positional vertigo

Answer: (A)

Endolymphatic hydrops—excess endolymph in the inner ear—produces the episodic vertigo with tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss described here. This pattern, often with fluctuating low-frequency hearing loss and a sense of fullness in the ear, is characteristic of Meniere disease. The underlying issue is abnormal fluid regulation in the labyrinth, leading to distension of the endolymphatic spaces and irritation of both vestibular and cochlear structures, which causes recurrent vertigo episodes paired with hearing changes. By contrast, labyrinthitis typically features vertigo with new hearing loss from infection or inflammation of the inner ear, vestibular neuritis causes vertigo without hearing loss, and benign positional vertigo presents with brief spinning spells triggered by head movements and no hearing symptoms.