These two symptoms often occur together because both the hearing and balance systems are housed in the inner ear. When something affects this area, it can impact both systems at the same time.

Why do dizziness and tinnitus happen together?

The inner ear contains:

• The cochlea (hearing)

• The vestibular system (balance)

Because these structures sit so close together, a problem affecting one can often affect the other.

This means that conditions involving the inner ear can lead to:

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Imbalance or unsteadiness

• Ringing or noise in the ear (tinnitus)

• Sometimes changes in hearing

Common causes

Ménière’s disease

A condition that typically causes:

• Episodes of spinning vertigo

• Fluctuating hearing loss

• Tinnitus (often described as roaring)

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

Episodes can last from 20 minutes to several hours.

Labyrinthitis

An inner ear infection that can cause:

• Sudden, severe dizziness or vertigo

• Hearing loss

• Tinnitus

Symptoms often come on quickly and may take weeks to fully settle.

Vestibular migraine

This can cause:

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Tinnitus (in some cases)

Not everyone experiences a headache, which can make this harder to recognise.

Acoustic neuroma (rare)

A non-cancerous growth on the hearing and balance nerve.

Typical features include:

• Persistent tinnitus (often one-sided)

• Gradual hearing loss

• Imbalance

What does this feel like?

People often describe:

• A constant or intermittent ringing in one or both ears

• A sense of imbalance or “being off”

• Episodes of spinning or movement

• Difficulty focusing or feeling steady

The exact pattern of symptoms can give important clues about the underlying cause.

When should you get this checked?

You should see your GP initially, and seek specialist assessment if you have:

• Persistent or worsening tinnitus

• Dizziness that isn’t improving

• Hearing loss

• Symptoms affecting only one ear

• Recurrent episodes of vertigo

• No resolution of the problem via your doctor

These symptoms usually aren’t dangerous—but they do need proper assessment to reach the correct diagnosis.

How we assess this

At Northern Vestibular & Balance Clinic, we take a structured, evidence-based approach.

This includes:

• A detailed vestibular history

• Hearing assessment (audiometry)

• Balance testing (e.g. vHIT, positional testing, VEMP where appropriate)

The aim is to identify:

• Whether the issue is coming from the inner ear

• Which part of the system is affected

• The most appropriate treatment pathway

What happens next?

Treatment depends on the cause, but may include:

• Reassurance and monitoring

• Vestibular rehabilitation

• Medical referral (if required)

Many conditions improve significantly once correctly diagnosed and managed.

Need help understanding your symptoms?

If you’re experiencing dizziness with tinnitus, a specialist assessment can help clarify what’s going on and guide the right treatment.