This disease process is idiopathic, or of unknown origin; but the damage is to the inner ear. However, there is more than cause of this chronic condition. Depending on the cause, you might be a candidate for a type of surgery that will not result in bilateral deafness.

There are pharmacalogical options if you feel comfortable with that route. There are also vestibular exercise routines that might seriously help reduce the magnitude or frequency of your symptoms.

If it were me, I would consult an osteopathic doctor and a Doctor of Chinese Medicine. Believe it or not, they might be more affordable than you think, and you may even be able to find a good DO who is covered by your insurance As they are allowed ALL of the priveleges that are granted to MD's by the AMA; the difference is that they treat the whole patient versus treating the presenting symptoms philosophically.

A Doctor of Chinese Medicine will look at your whole being through a little understood philosophical approach with few experts in this country; which is based on over 2000 years of health data.

Often these two experts can compliment eachother, and tell you all of your options within each individuals meducal philosophy.

If you want some quick and thorough references check out a medical professional pathophysiology book or handbook at your local large booksellers for free (B&N, borders, etc). Then look at the thickest book on chinese medicine you can find and look for tinnitus, vertigo, etc... Also check out Paul pritchard's Healing with Whole foods for a more interpretable form of nutrition based on western scince and traditional chinese beliefs- lookup vertigo, tinnitus, etc...