Ménière’s disease is a chronic vestibular disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. While the symptoms can be debilitating, it can sometimes be challenging to diagnose the condition accurately. One crucial test that confirms Ménière’s disease is called the electrocochleography (ECochG).
The balance test most commonly used to test for Meniere’s disease is electronystagmography (ENG). It is important to determine if the hearing loss is caused by a problem in the inner ear or if it is a malfunction of the hearing nerve. To do this, the function of the brain stem can be recorded to show activity in the hearing nerve. Electrocochleography is a test that can record the activity of the inner ear. Meniere syndrome refers to the triad of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss not caused by endolymphatic fluid buildup (eg, congenital anomalies). Excess endolymph buildup in the labyrinth can interfere with the normal balance and hearing signals between the inner ear and the brain.
What is ECochG?
Healthcare providers may recommend cognitive therapy to help people cope with the stress, anxiety and depression Ménière’s disease may cause. The labyrinth is composed of the semicircular canals, the otolithic organs (i.e., utricle and saccule), and the cochlea. Inside their walls (bony labyrinth) are thin, pliable tubes and sacs (membranous labyrinth) filled with endolymph.
Read more in the affected ear may be constant or intermittent buzzing, ringing, roaring, whistling, or hissing; it is not related to position or motion. Scientists estimate that six out of 10 people either get better on their own or can control their vertigo with diet, drugs, or devices. However, a small group of people with Ménière’s disease will get relief only by undergoing surgery. Ménière’s disease does not have a cure yet, but your doctor might recommend some of the treatments below to help you cope with the condition. Although promising, this field of research still needs to be expanded. Hopefully, in the future, additional information about MD and an improved technology in electrophysiological testing can contribute to the strategies available for MD diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
It can be unpleasant for many people as it may resemble the start of an attack. For this reason it is important the patient is calm and fully understands the procedure. The caloric test produces vertigo and nystagmus in a normally functioning ear. Therefore, it is thought that variations in RF may reflect the pressure fluctuations in the inner ear.
ECochG is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity generated by the hair cells in the inner ear in response to sound stimulation. This test helps differentiate between different types of hearing loss and can detect abnormalities in the fluid-filled spaces of the inner ear, which are characteristic of Ménière’s disease.
How does ECochG confirm Ménière’s disease?
In patients with Ménière’s disease, ECochG typically shows an elevated summating potential (SP) to action potential (AP) ratio. This abnormal ratio indicates increased inner ear fluid pressure, which is a hallmark of the condition. By confirming this characteristic pattern, ECochG plays a key role in diagnosing Ménière’s disease accurately.
Stress reductionEmotional stress, fatigue, or other illness will precipitate an attack in many patients with Meniere’s disease. Finding ways to avoid stress and maintain general good health will often contribute greatly to controlling the attacks. The symptoms of the disease itself are often the source of a great deal of stress, which can itself make the symptoms worse. Professional counseling, or stress-reduction programs are beneficial in many cases.
Overall, ECochG is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of Ménière’s disease. If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear fullness, consult with an otolaryngologist who may recommend an ECochG test to confirm the presence of Ménière’s disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential in controlling the symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals with this chronic condition.
