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Overview
Attacks last 20 minutes to hours.
Hearing loss can progress.
When to get medical care
Call 911Spinning with weakness or trouble speaking.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonRepeated attacks.
Causes
Caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause spinning attacks with ear fullness, ringing, or hearing loss. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Meniere's diseaseSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Attacks of spinning that last 20 minutes to hours, with a full feeling in one ear, ringing, and hearing that comes and goes.
What you can do at home
- Limit salt.
- Limit caffeine.
Medicines
Water pills and other treatments.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by history.
Questions you may be asked
- Attacks
The exam
An ear exam.
Tests
- Hearing test
Prevention
Manage triggers.
- Low salt
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.