Differential Diagnosis for Unilateral Hearing Loss, Headaches, Vertigo, Ear Aches, and Feeling of Ear Fullness
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Meniere's Disease: This condition is characterized by a group of symptoms that affect the inner ear, including vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear fullness. The symptoms provided match closely with Meniere's, making it a strong candidate for the single most likely diagnosis.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Although BPPV primarily causes vertigo, it can be associated with other symptoms like ear fullness and hearing loss, especially if the vertigo is severe and frequent.
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear infection that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and ear pain, fitting some of the symptoms described.
- Otosclerosis: A condition that affects the middle ear, leading to hearing loss, vertigo, and ear fullness due to abnormal bone growth in the middle ear.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acoustic Neuroma: A rare, slow-growing tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. It can cause unilateral hearing loss, vertigo, and ear fullness. Although rare, missing this diagnosis could lead to significant morbidity.
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): While less common, vertigo and unilateral hearing loss can be symptoms of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other neurological deficits. Early recognition is crucial for timely intervention.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: A condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, leading to facial paralysis, ear pain, and sometimes hearing loss and vertigo.
- Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: A rare condition where there's an abnormal opening in the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and ear fullness.
- Cogan Syndrome: A rare disorder characterized by recurrent corneal inflammation and vestibular-auditory symptoms, including hearing loss and vertigo.