15266 Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

Overview

Superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) is a rare condition where a thin piece of bone over a small balance canal in your inner ear is missing or too thin. This can cause sounds or changes in pressure to make you feel dizzy, hear your own voice too loudly, or feel like your ear is full.

No, SCDS is considered rare. Many people may have the thin bone without ever knowing it, and only a small number develop noticeable symptoms.

SCDS can affect both children and adults. Symptoms often start in mid-adulthood, but it can also be present from birth. It may be more likely if you have a family history of the condition, but anyone can be affected.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Dizziness or vertigo triggered by loud sounds, coughing, sneezing, or straining
• Hearing your own voice or body sounds (like your heartbeat) too loudly in one ear
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Hearing loss, sometimes only for certain sounds
• Balance problems or a feeling of unsteadiness
• Seeing the world bounce or jump when you hear a sudden loud noise

Symptoms in children

• Clumsiness or frequent falls without a clear reason
• Balance problems during walking or playing
• Complaints of noise or ringing in one ear
• Discomfort with loud sounds or pressure changes
• Delays in motor skills, such as sitting or walking

Symptoms in older adults

• Dizziness or unsteadiness that may be mistaken for normal aging
• Hearing your own voice or heartbeat more loudly
• Difficulty with balance, especially in unfamiliar or uneven places
• Increased risk of falls, particularly when bending down or looking up
• Symptoms that overlap with other balance disorders, so careful evaluation is needed

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is not always known. The bone over the superior semicircular canal may be thin from birth or thin out over time.
• A head injury or trauma to the skull can occasionally cause the bone to break or thin.
• In some cases, infection, surgery, or other conditions that increase pressure in the skull might play a role.
• It may be part of a normal variation in skull structure for many people.

Risk factors

• Having a parent or sibling with SCDS
• A past head injury, especially around the temple or skull
• Conditions that increase pressure inside the skull, such as chronic obesity or repeated straining
• Structural thinning of the skull bone that comes with aging

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a sudden hearing loss, call your doctor or local health service the same day
• If you have severe dizziness with vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
• If your symptoms are quickly getting worse over days

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have ongoing dizziness, balance problems, or a feeling of fullness in your ear
• If loud sounds or pressure changes make you uncomfortable or dizzy
• If you hear your own voice, heartbeat, or other body sounds too loudly in one ear
• If you have hearing loss that comes and goes or that slowly gets worse

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history, then examine your ears. If SCDS is suspected, you will likely be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for further testing.

Tests that may be done

• A hearing test (audiogram) to check how well you hear different sounds
• A test called vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) to see how your inner ear responds to sound and movement
• A high-resolution CT scan of your head to look at the bone over the inner ear canal
• An examination of how your eyes move during certain head positions

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are painless and usually done in a clinic. The specialist may ask you to follow lights, turn your head, or stand still. They will explain what they find and what it means for you.

Treatment

Treatment for SCDS depends on how much your symptoms bother you. Many people need no treatment at all, just regular monitoring. If symptoms interfere with daily life, your doctor will work with you to find safe ways to manage triggers and protect your hearing. In severe cases, surgery might be an option.

Self-care at home

• Avoid triggers like sudden loud noises, coughing, sneezing, or heavy straining when possible
• Wear earplugs or noise protection in loud environments, such as concerts or construction sites
• If you feel dizzy, sit down or steady yourself until the feeling passes
• Avoid activities that involve rapid pressure changes, like scuba diving or flying with a blocked nose or ear infection
• When lifting heavy objects, exhale gently instead of holding your breath and straining

Medical treatments

There are no medicines that repair or thicken the missing bone. However, a doctor may suggest treatments for dizziness, nausea, or other related symptoms if they are present. Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new medicine, even over-the-counter ones.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered if symptoms are severe, disabling, and not controlled with conservative measures. The operation plugs the opening in the bone over the inner ear canal. Many people have meaningful improvement, but surgery carries risks such as hearing loss, imbalance, or changes in taste, so the decision is made together with your ENT specialist.

Living with this condition

Living with SCDS means learning what triggers your symptoms and planning ahead. Keep a diary of when symptoms happen and what you were doing. Many people find that pacing activities and taking breaks helps.

Lifestyle tips

• Protect your hearing by staying away from very loud sounds or using earplugs
• Avoid heavy lifting or repeated straining, which increases pressure in the ear
• If you fly, tell the pilot or crew if you have a cold or blocked ear, and ask about ways to equalize pressure safely
• Consider balance exercises with a physiotherapist, as they can help your body adapt

Diet and exercise

A healthy, balanced diet supports your overall wellbeing and may help reduce dizziness related to low blood sugar. Gentle exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming are usually safe and can improve balance. Strenuous exercise that involves holding your breath or straining may need to be adjusted. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance based on your own symptoms.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with dizziness or hearing symptoms can feel frustrating, tiring, or upsetting. You may feel anxious about social events, driving, or even walking outside. It is normal to have these feelings. Talk openly with your doctor about how you are doing emotionally, and consider speaking with a counsellor or support group if you feel overwhelmed.

Prevention

Because the bone thinning often has no clear cause, there is no certain way to prevent SCDS. You can reduce the chance of worsening it by avoiding head injuries, using seat belts, wearing helmets when cycling or skating, and being careful when lifting or straining.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines that prevent SCDS, but staying up to date with recommended vaccines, such as flu or pneumococcal vaccines, may help prevent inner ear infections that could affect balance. Ask your healthcare provider what is right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for SCDS in people without symptoms. If you have unusual dizziness, hearing problems, or related symptoms, it is important to see a qualified healthcare provider for a proper check-up.

Complications

If left untreated

• Symptoms may persist and affect your quality of life, but the condition itself is not dangerous
• Severe dizziness can increase the risk of falls and injuries
• Rarely, hearing loss may worsen over time
• Surgery carries its own risks, and treatment decisions should be made carefully

Long-term outlook

Many people with SCDS live full, active lives with little or no treatment. For those with severe symptoms, surgery helps many people feel dramatically better, though results are not guaranteed. With the right support and management, you can find ways to adapt and feel in control.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.