Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by vertigo and hearing loss with pressure or fullness in the ears?

1. Acoustic neuroma

2. Menieres disease

3. Vestibular neuritis

4. Labyrinthitis

The correct answer is: Menieres disease

The condition characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, and a sensation of pressure or fullness in the ears is Meniere's disease. This disorder primarily affects the inner ear and is thought to arise from abnormal fluid accumulation in the cochlea and vestibular compartments. The combination of symptoms—particularly the episodic nature of vertigo and the fluctuating hearing loss—aligns well with the typical presentation of Meniere's disease. Patients often describe the sensation of fullness in the affected ear, which can precede or accompany acute episodes of vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The condition is often episodic, with periods of relative quiet interspersed with acute episodes of these debilitating symptoms, contributing to its diagnosis. In contrast, acoustic neuroma usually presents with unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus but less commonly causes vertigo. Vestibular neuritis is characterized by vertigo stemming from inflammation of the vestibular nerve but does not typically involve hearing loss or aural fullness. Labyrinthitis, while it can cause both hearing loss and vertigo, often accompanies an infection and is frequently more severe, leading to symptoms that may not include the specific pressure or fullness commonly associated with Meniere's disease. Thus, the distinctive symptom profile