Conditions: Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease

Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that is characterized by episodes of feeling like the world is spinning (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss (usually in the low frequencies), and a fullness in the ear. Typically, only one ear is affected initially; however, over time both ears may become involved.  Episodes generally last from 20 minutes to a few hours, and a variable length of time may pass between episodes. Hearing loss and ringing may at first be present only during attacks, but over time can become constant.

The cause of Ménière's disease is unclear but likely involves both genetic and environmental factors.  Symptoms are believed to occur as the result of increased fluid build up in the labyrinth of the inner ear. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and, frequently, a hearing test. Other conditions that may produce similar symptoms include vestibular migraine and transient ischemic attack.

Meniere’s disease is diagnosed by the presence of episodes of

1. tinnitus (noise or ringing perception in the ear),

2. vertigo (a spinning sensation), and

3. sensorineural hearing loss, which is shown on repeat hearing tests to improve.

The cause of Meniere’s disease remains uncertain. Treatment, while not curative, may lessen these attacks. Meniere’s disease usually affects only one ear and usually “burns out” over time, with permanent hearing loss as well as fewer episodes.

Additional resources I recommend:

• Frequently asked questions about Meniere’s disease, from ENTHealth.org.

• Plain language summary of Meniere’s disease from The Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. This is excellent.

• A more detailed description of Meniere’s disease by Vestibular Disorders Association.

• Animated video describing Meniere’s disease

• Ménière’s Resources Inc.: http://menieresresources.org

• Ménière’s Society: http://www.menieres.org.uk

• Ménière’s Research Fund, Inc.: https://menieresresearchaustralia.org

• Hearing Health Foundation: https://hearinghealthfoundation.org