According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 615,000 people in the United States have Ménière’s disease. It can develop at any age, but it most commonly appears between 40 and 60 years of age. It is difficult to predict how Ménière’s disease will affect a person’s future. Or they might become so severe that they are disabling.
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It typically affects only one ear and can be unpredictable in its onset and duration. The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but it is believed to be related to fluid buildup in the inner ear.
In between attacks, most people usually have mild or no symptoms. Hearing and balance are critical to how we conduct our daily lives. ENT specialists treat conditions such as ear infection, hearing loss, dizziness, ringing in the ears (called tinnitus), ear, face, or neck pain, and more. Over time, some degree of permanent hearing loss is common.
These effects are initially reversible between attacks but over time the inner and outer hair cells sustain permanent damage resulting in a non-reversible hearing loss. This can often lead to a reduced tolerance to louder sound. Ménière’s disease/syndrome is a long term, progressive vestibular condition affecting the balance and hearing parts of the inner ear. Symptoms are acute attacks of vertigo (severe dizziness), fluctuating tinnitus, increasing deafness, and a feeling of pressure in the ear. Late-stage Ménière’s disease refers to a set of symptoms rather than a point in time. Hearing loss is more significant and is less likely to fluctuate.
Symptoms
Over time, attacks may improve, but tinnitus and other symptoms may become constant and hearing loss becomes worse, even between attacks. Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes hearing and balance problems. Your ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist, will help you choose the treatment that is best for you, as each has advantages and drawbacks. In many people, careful control of salt in the diet and the use of medication to help release extra fluid can control symptoms well. It tends to strike men and women equally, and although it can occur at any age, it usually begins between the ages of 30 and 50. Only about 15 percent of people with M’nière’s disease lose hearing in both ears.
If you think you are experiencing symptoms of Meniere’s disease, you should see your doctor. They will examine you, ask about your symptoms and may refer you for a hearing test, balance tests and x-rays. Other tests—Electrocochleography (ECoG) looks for inner ear fluid pressure in some cases of Ménière’s disease. Other hearing and imaging may help to rule out other causes as well. Hearing tests—An audiometric examination (hearing test) typically shows a sensory type of hearing loss in the affected ear.
The membranous labyrinth contains a fluid called endolymph. It also has hair-like sensors that respond to the fluid’s movement and send messages to the brain through nerve impulses. These involve spontaneously losing posture or suddenly falling down while remaining conscious. Between these stages, a person might not experience symptoms for extended periods. Eventually, most people with Ménière’s develop some degree of long-term hearing loss. It is difficult to predict when a vertigo attack will occur.
People with Meniere’s disease may experience severe vertigo, which can cause nausea and vomiting. They may also have fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected ear. Episodes of symptoms can last for several hours and may be followed by a period of fatigue and unsteadiness.
These are the most common symptoms of Ménière disease. Symptoms can happen suddenly, and may happen daily or infrequently. The symptoms are most often in one ear but can affect both ears. 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. Some doctors will perform a hearing test to establish the extent of hearing loss caused by Ménière’s disease.
Treatment
There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. Medications can be prescribed to reduce vertigo and nausea during attacks. Hearing aids or therapy may be recommended for those experiencing hearing loss. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure in the inner ear.
Living with Meniere’s disease can be challenging, but with proper management and support, many people are able to lead fulfilling lives despite their symptoms. If you suspect you may have Meniere’s disease, it is important to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
