Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Unilateral Hearing Loss with Tinnitus and Balance Issues
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL): This condition is characterized by a sudden decline in hearing, often accompanied by tinnitus and balance issues. The patient's presentation of progressive hearing loss with a sudden unilateral decline, louder tinnitus, and balance issues is consistent with SSNHL. The sudden onset and unilateral nature of the symptoms support this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Meniere's Disease: This inner ear disorder can cause progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. The sudden worsening of symptoms could be an exacerbation of Meniere's disease.
- Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve can cause unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. The progressive nature of the patient's hearing loss and sudden decline could be indicative of an acoustic neuroma.
- Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear can cause sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. The patient's symptoms could be consistent with labyrinthitis, especially if there is a history of recent infection or trauma.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cerebellopontine Angle (CPA) Tumor: A tumor in the CPA can cause unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. Although less likely, missing this diagnosis could have significant consequences, including increased risk of neurological complications.
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A stroke or TIA can cause sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. Although less common, it is essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has risk factors for cerebrovascular disease.
- Multiple Sclerosis: This autoimmune disease can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. Although less likely, multiple sclerosis should be considered, especially if the patient has a history of other neurological symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cogan's Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues, often accompanied by eye symptoms.
- Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease: A rare condition in which the immune system attacks the inner ear, causing hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.
- Vestibular Schwannomatosis: A rare condition characterized by the growth of tumors on the vestibulocochlear nerve, causing hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.