Meniere's Disease

Meniere’s Disease affects the inner ear. Symptoms can include vertigo (spinning), hearing loss, tinnitus (roaring, buzzing or ringing in the ear) and a sensation of fullness in the ear. It can cause severe dizziness. The symptoms happen in episodes that generally last 20 minutes to 4 hours. It typically affects just one ear, but some patients do experience it in both ears. Some symptoms may occur throughout the attack or just before. Hearing loss may occur during these episodes. Loud sounds can cause discomfort. Patients typically report hearing loss of lower pitches. However, over time it can increase to affect all pitches.

Meniere’s Disease typically happens occurs in people from their 20s to their 50s. Hearing loss as a result of the disease can become permanent. There is no known cause of Meniere’s Disease, which is a chronic condition, though it is believed to be connected to inner ear fluid levels or mixing of fluids in the ear. Because each person may have a different experience with symptoms, it is important for you to work with your doctor on what treatments may best help your situation. The right treatments and lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Treatments may include medications, limiting your salt intake, intratympanic therapy with medicines injected into the middle or, or use of a device that delivers air pulses to the middle air. Some severe cases may require surgery.