Overview
Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) is a rare condition of the inner ear where one or more of the bony walls surrounding the semicircular canals — the tiny fluid-filled tubes that help you balance — develop a thin spot or hole (called a dehiscence). The most common form is superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SSCD or SCDS), where the gap occurs in the canal closest to the top of the skull. This opening creates an abnormal third 'window' in the inner ear, which disrupts how sound and pressure are processed. The condition can affect one ear or both ears. People with SCDS often experience a confusing mix of hearing and balance problems. Loud sounds or pressure changes — like straining, coughing, or blowing your nose — can trigger dizziness or eye movements. Some people can actually hear their own heartbeat, eye movements, or footsteps inside their head. These unusual symptoms are often misdiagnosed for years before the correct cause is found. Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and hearing aids for mild cases to surgery to repair the bony defect for more severe cases. Surgery (called plugging or resurfacing of the canal) can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms in many patients. While the condition is not life-threatening, it can seriously affect quality of life, work, and daily activities.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Dizziness or spinning sensation triggered by loud soundsDizziness triggered by straining, coughing, sneezing, or blowing your noseHearing your own heartbeat loudly inside your head (pulsatile tinnitus)Hearing your own eye movements, footsteps, or voice abnormally loudlyA feeling of fullness or pressure in the earUnsteadiness or poor balance, especially in noisy environmentsEye movements or bouncing vision triggered by loud sounds or pressureLow-frequency hearing lossSensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)Brain fog or difficulty concentratingFatigue related to constant balance effortHearing internal body sounds like chewing or your own breathing very loudly
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
8 eventsFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine — NA
Nantes University Hospital — PHASE3
Region Stockholm — NA
Tampere Heart Hospital
United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego
Società Italiana Talassemie ed Emoglobinopatie
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Tocilizumab for Acute Chest Syndrome
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
New recruiting trial: Natural History of Sickle Cell Disease
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
New recruiting trial: Tampere Coronary Artery Disease and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Study
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
New recruiting trial: Mechanisms And Prognosis of Stroke-Heart Syndrome
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
New recruiting trial: International Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) "iSCAD" Registry
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my CT scan showing a true dehiscence, and how large is the gap?,Am I a good candidate for surgery, and which surgical approach would you recommend for me?,What are the risks of surgery, including the chance of hearing loss or worsening balance?,What happens if I choose not to have surgery — will my condition get worse over time?,Are there any lifestyle changes or devices that could help manage my symptoms without surgery?,How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what are your outcomes?,Should I see a vestibular rehabilitation therapist before or after surgery?
Common questions about Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
What is Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome?
Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) is a rare condition of the inner ear where one or more of the bony walls surrounding the semicircular canals — the tiny fluid-filled tubes that help you balance — develop a thin spot or hole (called a dehiscence). The most common form is superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SSCD or SCDS), where the gap occurs in the canal closest to the top of the skull. This opening creates an abnormal third 'window' in the inner ear, which disrupts how sound and pressure are processed. The condition can affect one ear or both ears. People with SCDS o
How is Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome inherited?
Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome?
3 specialists and care centers treating Semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.