International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What condition is defined by episodes of vertigo, fullness in the ear, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss?

1. Tympanosclerosis

2. Barotrauma

3. Meniere's disease

4. Otosclerosis

The correct answer is: Meniere's disease

The condition characterized by episodes of vertigo, a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss is Meniere's disease. This condition is associated with an abnormal amount of fluid (endolymph) accumulation in the inner ear, which affects both balance and hearing. The classic symptoms—vertigo brings feelings of spinning or dizziness, aural fullness refers to a sensation of pressure in the ear, tinnitus manifests as ringing or buzzing sounds, and fluctuating hearing loss indicates that the level of hearing ability may vary during episodes—are defining characteristics of Meniere's disease. Other options refer to different ear-related conditions. Tympanosclerosis involves scarring of the eardrum and does not typically present with the combination of symptoms found in Meniere's. Barotrauma occurs due to pressure changes impacting the ear, which can lead to pain or possible hearing loss, but it lacks the episodic nature and additional symptoms of Meniere's. Otosclerosis involves abnormal bone growth in the ear, mainly affecting hearing and not typically associated with vertigo or tinnitus in the same manner as Meniere's disease.