A patient experiencing tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo likely has which condition?

The symptoms of tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo are characteristic of Ménière's disease, which is a disorder of the inner ear. This condition is marked by episodes of vertigo that can last from 20 minutes to several hours, along with fluctuating hearing loss that may progress to permanent hearing loss over time. Tinnitus, which is the perception of noise such as ringing or buzzing in the ears, is also commonly reported in individuals with this condition.

Ménière's disease is specifically associated with changes in the fluid balance of the inner ear, affecting both hearing and balance. The combination of these symptoms—especially the trio of tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo—strongly points toward this condition.

Other conditions mentioned, such as mastoiditis, otitis externa, and acoustic neuroma, present differently. Mastoiditis typically involves ear pain, fever, and potentially drainage from the ear but does not primarily cause the combination of symptoms seen in Ménière's disease. Otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, usually results in itching and discomfort in the outer ear and does not typically cause vertigo. Acoustic neuromas may cause hearing loss and tinnitus, but vertigo is less common until the tumor becomes larger, affecting