Complete recovery occurs after each attack and often, by the time of diagnostic tests, the ear has returned to normal. However, often the vertigo is so distressing that many people fail to notice changes in hearing or even the tinnitus. Stage 2 During this stage it is easier to make the diagnosis. Symptoms can be referred to as 'classical'. Hearing fluctuates but never returns to normal levels.
Tinnitus increases with attacks, and becomes continuous.
The feeling of pressure or aural fullness may be worse before and during an attack. Attacks of vertigo tend to occur in clusters and may be severe enough to affect your lifestyle. However, between the series of attacks there may be periods of remission, which can vary from a few weeks to several years. This stage is often referred to as 'burnt out M ni re's'. The hearing may be severely affected and there is no longer fluctuation as the hair cells of the inner ear have been destroyed.