The inner ear contains a cluster of connected passages and cavities called the labyrinth. Ménière’s disease may occur due to an abnormality in the structure of the inner ear or the fluid levels in it. However, balance, hearing, and vision problems can continue. Individuals will feel especially unsteady when it is dark. These psychological symptoms can also develop due to Ménière’s disease. The condition is unpredictable and can adversely affect the individual’s ability to work, especially if they have to climb ladders or operate machinery.
Meniere’s disease is a relatively rare disorder that affects the inner ear. It is characterized by symptoms such as vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. While Meniere’s disease is not as common as other ear disorders, it is estimated to affect between 45,000 and 60,000 people in the United States each year.
An audiologist can treat hearing loss, usually by fitting you with a hearing aid. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing measures the sound sensitivity of the vestibule of the inner ear. And posturography testing helps determine what part of your balance system isn’t functioning properly. You’ll react to various balance challenges while wearing a safety harness and standing barefoot.
Getting treatment can help you live your best life although you may still get vertigo every once in a while. When you’re in a car, bus, or train, keep your medicine and sealable plastic bags with you in case you feel dizzy or nauseated. Keeping your balance when the vehicle starts and stops can be challenging. Keep your eyes facing front and avoid watching the world flash by because that flicker of movement can trigger a vertigo attack.
Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease
Between vertigo attacks, balance returns to normal for most people with Meniere’s disease. Along with the main symptoms, some people may have anxiety, as they may worry too much about when and how a sudden vertigo attack will affect them. Some people also get depression due to the main symptoms, which can make it difficult for them to live their day-to-day lives. This is an organ in your inner ear that’s shaped like a snail. It’s filled with a fluid that vibrates when sound waves pass over it.
Tinnitus becomes more prominent often fluctuating or increasing with the attacks. Most people with Meniere’s disease don’t require surgery, but it’s an option for those who have severe attacks and haven’t had success with other treatments. An endolymphatic sac decompression procedure is done to help decrease the production of fluid and promote fluid drainage in the inner ear. This surgery causes hearing loss and is reserved for individuals who have already lost their hearing in that ear. Another surgery which preserves hearing but still carries risks is called a vestibular neurectomy.
The symptoms of Meniere’s disease can vary from person to person and may come and go over time. Some individuals may experience frequent episodes of vertigo, while others may have more mild symptoms. In addition to vertigo, individuals with Meniere’s disease may also experience hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, there are treatment options available to help manage the symptoms. These may include medications to control vertigo and nausea, dietary changes to reduce fluid retention, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve balance. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Overall, Meniere’s disease is considered a rare condition, but for those who are affected by it, the impact on daily life can be significant. If you suspect you may have Meniere’s disease, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
