Meniere's disease
Overview
Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition that affects the inner ear and can disrupt both hearing and balance. It often develops in one ear and may progress over time.
What Causes Meniere’s Disease?
The exact cause is not fully understood. It’s believed to be related to an abnormal buildup of fluid (endolymph) in the labyrinth of the inner ear. This fluid is essential for hearing and balance, but too much of it can disrupt signals between the ear and brain—leading to the symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
Who is affected?
Meniere’s disease most commonly appears in adults between ages 40 and 60 but can occur at any age. It affects men and women equally.
Diagnosing Meniere’s Disease
Diagnosing Meniere’s disease can be challenging because its symptoms are similar to other conditions. A provider may use:
- Hearing tests to assess the degree and type of hearing loss
- Balance assessments to evaluate inner ear function
- Imaging (MRI or CT scan) to rule out other conditions, such as tumors
Common symptoms
- Vertigo: Sudden, intense spinning sensations that can last minutes to hours. These episodes may cause loss of balance or falls.
- Tinnitus: A persistent ringing, buzzing or roaring sound in the affected ear.
- Hearing loss: Fluctuating hearing loss, often beginning with low frequencies, that may worsen over time.
- Aural fullness: A sensation of pressure or congestion in the ear.
Specialty care
Treatment options
While there is no cure, several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
- Lifestyle changes, including reducing salt, caffeine and alcohol intake
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve balance and reduce dizziness
- Medications such as diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, or drugs to ease vertigo and nausea
- Ear injections of medications to relieve severe vertigo
- Surgery in rare cases when other treatments are not effective
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Meniere’s disease, talk with your doctor or make an appointment with a specialist. A personalized care plan can help reduce the impact on your daily life.
Offers virtual care
