What is Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sharad Shelke , ENT

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Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) is a rare condition that affects the inner ear. It happens when there is a tiny opening (called a dehiscence) in the bone over one of the inner ear canals, specifically the superior semicircular canal, which helps control balance. This opening can cause unusual hearing and balance symptoms because sound and pressure affect the inner ear in ways they usually wouldn't.

People with SCDS often notice strange sensations, especially when they hear loud sounds or move their head quickly. This is because the hole in the bone makes the ear overly sensitive to things it shouldn't normally react to.

Superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) is also known as:

While SCDS isn't life-threatening, it can affect daily comfort and activities. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to talk to an ENT specialist or neurologist to explore treatment options.

What Are the Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome Symptoms?

Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) affects the inner ear, and its symptoms can feel strange or confusing at first. Many people with this condition experience unusual hearing or balance problems that don't always make sense, especially if everything looks normal during basic ear exams.

Most symptoms of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome are related to how the inner ear handles sound and motion. Because of a tiny opening in a part of the ear called the superior semicircular canal, sound and pressure can affect you in ways they normally shouldn't. This can make daily life feel off-balance, literally.

People with SCDS often describe it as hearing "too much" or feeling dizzy in situations that shouldn't cause dizziness. Here's what to look for:

Here are the signs of SCDS:

Hearing-Related Symptoms

Balance Symptoms

Other Symptoms

If you're noticing a mix of these, especially sound-triggered dizziness, it's a good idea to talk to a specialist

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What Causes Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome?

Superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) happens when there's a tiny hole or thinning in a part of the inner ear bone, specifically in the upper part of the balance canal. This small opening may seem minor, but it can affect how your body balances and hears sounds. The inner ear plays a key role in both hearing and balance, so even a small change can lead to strange symptoms.

In most people, the bone covering the balance canal is strong and thick. But in some, it may be too thin or not fully formed. This can happen at birth or develop over time.

Here are the common reasons for Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome:

If you're feeling dizzy with loud sounds or pressure, or you hear your own voice too loudly in one ear, it's worth checking with an ENT specialist.

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How is Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) can be tricky because its symptoms often resemble other balance or hearing disorders. That's why doctors use a mix of careful listening, physical exams, and specific tests to confirm the condition. The goal is to find a tiny hole or thinning in the bone of the inner ear's superior semicircular canal.

Here are some of the most important tests used to diagnose SCDS:

Hearing Test (Audiogram)

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)

High-Resolution CT Scan

Your doctor might also ask questions about when your dizziness or hearing changes happen, like with coughing, sneezing, or loud sounds. These small clues, combined with the tests above, help make an accurate diagnosis.

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How Is Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) Treated?

If you're living with Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS), you're likely dealing with balance problems, dizziness, or hearing issues that feel confusing or frustrating. The good news is that there are effective surgical treatments that can help reduce or stop these symptoms altogether.

Treatment of SCDS is usually recommended when the symptoms interfere with your daily life. The main goal is to close or cover the opening (dehiscence) in the inner ear's superior canal to stop abnormal signals.

SCDS Surgery

There are a few surgical options available, and the approach depends on your health, the size and location of the dehiscence, and your doctor's recommendation:

Plugging the Dehiscence (Middle Cranial Fossa Approach)

This surgery is often chosen when the dehiscence is located on the upper surface of the inner ear canal. The surgeon reaches this area through a small opening in the skull, just above the ear. It sounds scary, but it's a safe and well-established technique used by experienced specialists.

During the procedure, the surgeon carefully plugs the superior canal with soft tissue, bone dust, or other safe material to stop unwanted movement of inner ear fluid that causes symptoms like dizziness or sound sensitivity.

Plugging the Dehiscence (Transmastoid Approach)

This is a less invasive option for treating SCDS. The surgeon accesses the canal from behind the ear through the mastoid bone (the bony area you can feel behind your ear). It's a popular choice when the dehiscence is in a spot that's easy to reach through this route.

During surgery, the superior canal is plugged with small pieces of tissue or bone to prevent abnormal fluid movement in the inner ear, which helps reduce symptoms like dizziness, sound sensitivity, and balance problems.

Resurfacing the Dehiscence

Resurfacing is a different approach where the canal isn't plugged but covered with bone or another safe material. The goal is to restore the normal barrier of the inner ear without blocking the canal completely. This can help preserve more of the ear's natural function, especially for hearing and balance.

The surgeon can perform resurfacing using either the middle cranial fossa approach or the transmastoid approach, depending on where the dehiscence is located.

What Are the Possible Complications of SCDS Surgery?

Like all surgeries, treating SCDS does come with some risks, but serious problems are rare when performed by experienced surgeons. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared.

Possible complications include:

These procedures are done by skilled ENT or neuro-otology surgeons and usually require a short hospital stay. Recovery may take a few weeks, and most people notice an improvement in symptoms over time.

For some mild cases, your doctor may suggest avoiding triggers and using sound protection, but surgery is usually the long-term fix when symptoms are more severe.

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When to See a Doctor for Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome?

Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) can be tricky to spot because its symptoms often feel strange or confusing. You might hear your own voice echo in your head or feel dizzy for no clear reason.

These signs may not seem serious at first, but they can affect your daily life. It's important to talk to a doctor if you're feeling off, especially if your symptoms are getting worse or affecting your balance and hearing.

See a doctor if you experience:

If any of these symptoms continue or make daily tasks harder, get checked by a nearby ear doctor.

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What Is the Recovery Process After Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome Treatment?

Recovering from Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) treatment usually depends on the type of procedure performed, whether surgical or non-surgical. Most people feel better in a few weeks, but some may take longer.

Rest is important during the first few days. Avoid sudden movements and activities that require balance or focus, like driving, until your doctor says it's okay.

If symptoms come back or get worse, talk to your doctor right away. With time, most patients see a big improvement in their hearing and balance.

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome?

SCDS is often related to a tiny opening in the bone of the inner ear, which may be present from birth or develop slowly. While we can't always prevent the condition completely, you can take some steps to protect your ears and avoid worsening symptoms.

These habits won't cure or stop the condition from developing, but they can reduce the chances of symptoms getting worse.

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What Are the Complications of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome?

If left untreated, Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome can lead to symptoms that make daily life harder. Over time, even small movements like walking or talking can cause dizziness, balance issues, or a strange echoing sound in your ear (called autophony).

The good news is that these issues can often be controlled or prevented with the right treatment. Surgery usually helps fix the problem and reduce symptoms. That's why it's important not to delay seeing a specialist if you're noticing any of these signs.

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Our Experience in Treating Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)

At Medicover, we understand how frustrating and confusing Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) can be. The strange sounds you hear in your head can affect daily life. We're here to help with the proper care and support.

Our ENT and neurology teams have helped many patients manage and recover from SCDS. We use advanced tools to make sure the diagnosis is clear and treatment is precise.

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