Meniere’s disease is a problem with the inner ear that can cause many symptoms like dizziness, spinning feelings (called vertigo), hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). It was named after a French doctor named Prosper Meniere, who first described it in 1861.
People with Meniere’s disease have episodes of vertigo, where they feel like they are spinning. These episodes can also cause nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. The spinning can last from a few minutes to several hours and can happen often or just once in a while.
Besides vertigo, people with Meniere’s disease often have hearing loss that comes and goes. This is most commonly in one ear only and worsens over a period of years, usually becoming permanent. The hearing loss can range from mild to severe, and is usually present with tinnitus (ringing in the ear).
If you need to see an audiologist in North Carolina to help you address the abovementioned symptoms, our team at Carolina Hearing Doctors will be happy to assist you.
Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease symptoms can be strong or mild, and they can come and go. Here are the main symptoms:
Vertigo
People with Meniere’s disease often have episodes or attacks of dizziness, spinning, or vertigo. These episodes typically occur every few weeks and the for several days can create dizziness, nausea, and fluctuating hearing.
Fluctuating Hearing Loss
This disease often makes people lose hearing in one ear. At first it presents as a fluctuating problem where hearing can come and go but it usually worsens over time. This is often accompanied by fullness, pressure, and tinnitus in the ears.
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ear)
Tinnitus is a common symptom. It can sound like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring. The noise can be soft or loud and might get worse during vertigo attacks.
Ear Fullness
Many people feel like their ear is full or has pressure, similar to what you feel when flying or driving through mountains.
Balance Problems
Meniere’s disease can affect balance, making people feel unsteady or wobbly. This can make it hard to walk or stand, especially during vertigo attacks.
Headaches
Some people get headaches or migraines because of Meniere’s disease or from the stress and discomfort of vertigo.
Not everyone with Meniere’s disease will have all these symptoms, and they can change over time. Sometimes, people might feel better for a while and then have symptoms return.
Proper diagnosis and early treatment can minimize the episodes and symptoms. This will help you feel better longer and live a more predictable life.
Causes of Meniere’s Disease
The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is still unknown, but scientists think it involves several factors related to the inner ear’s structure and function.
Here are some possible causes of Meniere’s disease:
- Fluid Problems in the Inner Ear: Meniere’s disease is often linked to changes in the amount or type of fluid in the inner ear. If the ear produces too much of this specialized fluid, or if the fluid fluctuates in pressure, it can damage the tiny inner ear structures that are important for hearing and balance.
- Blood Flow Issues: Some scientists believe that problems with blood flow to the inner ear might lead to Meniere’s disease. Conditions like high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries could affect blood supply to the inner ear, causing damage and problems.
- Immune System Problems: Another idea is that the body’s immune system might attack the inner ear by mistake, causing inflammation and symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
- Genetics: There is evidence that suggests Meniere’s disease might run in families. Certain genetic traits linked to inner ear function could make some people more likely to develop the disease.
- Environmental Factors: Meniere’s symptoms can be heightened by several food items; salt, caffeine, and alcohol are tied to worsening symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. Periods of high stress can also heighten these symptoms. However, all of these are usually considered secondary factors, not the main cause.
Meniere’s disease is likely caused by a mix of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. The exact cause can vary from person to person, making it hard to pinpoint. More research is needed to fully understand the disease and develop better treatments.
Meniere’s Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
A correct diagnosis is important so that the right treatment is started and maintained. There is not one test that reveals Ménière’s disease but rather a series of examination all lead to the proper diagnosis. These will include:
- Medical History and Physical Examination
Your doctor will take an extensive medical history about your symptoms, conditions, family history, and medical history to evaluate all the factors that are contributing to your symptoms.
- Hearing Tests
Extensive audiometric testing in a sound booth will reveal whether you have the unique hearing features that are common with Ménière’s disease. People with Meniere’s disease often have hearing loss worse in one ear, fluctuates over time, and most often is worse in the low frequencies. Commonly, a few hearing tests are necessary over a period of time to assess the fluctuating hearing levels that are a hallmark of Meniere’s disease.
- Balance Tests
Balance tests, such as electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG), evaluate the status of your inner ear and balance system. These measure the function of the balance system in each ear separately, together, and how they interact with your visual system.
- Imaging Tests
Sometimes, doctors may use imaging tests like MRI or CT scans. These tests create pictures of the inside of your head to make sure there are no other problems, like tumors, that could be causing the symptoms.
Treatment of Meniere’s Disease
Managing Meniere’s disease focuses on reducing symptoms, stopping vertigo attacks, and protecting hearing.
Treatment plans can differ based on how severe and often the symptoms are and what the patient prefers.
Common treatments include:
Lifestyle Changes
- Diet: Eat less salt, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and find ways to reduce stress.
- Habits: Keep a regular sleep schedule and stay hydrated.
Medications
- For Vertigo: Drugs like meclizine and diazepam can help stop vertigo.
- For Nausea: Medications like meclizine and diazepam may help alleviate some of the dizziness and nausea symptoms.
Diuretics
- Fluid Control: Medicines like hydrochlorothiazide or acetazolamide reduce fluid buildup in the ear, which may lower the number of vertigo attacks.
Ear Injections
- Steroids: For appropriate patients, ear surgeons may inject steroids directly into the inner ear to reduce ear inflammation and lessen the fluctuations in hearing and balance.
Surgery
- Severe Cases: In severe and protracted cases where other treatments have failed, ear surgeons may consider inner ear surgery aimed at relieving the overproduction of inner ear fluid.
Balance Therapy
- Exercises: Special exercises can help improve balance and reduce symptoms. These exercises help the body adapt and stabilize better.
Multidisciplinary Care
- Team Approach: It is common to have a team of specialists to arrive at the right diagnosis and to receive the level of medical and rehabilitation care. These will include audiologists, ENT doctors, neurologists, physical therapists, and rehab specialists.
Regular Check-ups
- Ongoing Care: Regular doctor visits are important to see if the treatment is working and to make changes if needed.
Audiologists in North Carolina | Carolina Hearing Doctors
If you’re experiencing the challenges of Meniere’s disease and seeking relief, audiologists at Carolina Hearing Doctors can help.
Our team of experienced audiologists in North Carolina specializes in helping individuals regain control over their hearing and quality of life.
Together, we can work towards finding the right solutions tailored to your needs. We also provide comprehensive hearing tests in North Carolina.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
We have audiology clinics in Winston-Salem and Clemmons, NC.
