Canal dehiscence syndrome (also called superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, or SSCD) is caused by a small hole in one of the inner ear balance canals. It can cause a wide variety of hearing and balance symptoms including vertigo triggered by loud noises, imbalance, hearing loss, hearing internal body noises (autophony) such as your voice, heartbeat or eyes moving, and tinnitus.

Canal Dehiscence is rare, affecting only 1-2% of the population and it does not always cause symptoms. People usually discover they have it in midlife, though it can present at any age.