Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder that causes fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and fullness or pressure in the ear. It is the result of excess fluid in the inner ear. There is no cure for Ménière’s disease, but various strategies can help you manage your symptoms.
Symptoms:
- Progressive attacks characterized by warning signs in advance, such as loss of balance, dizziness, headache, increased hearing loss and/or tinnitus, sensitivity to noises, and pressure in the ear
- Episodes of severe vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, fullness in the ear, and tinnitus
- Anxiety, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, trembling, rapid pulse, and diarrhea
- Exhaustion
Diagnosis:
- Hearing and balance tests, such as an audiogram
- Imaging scans or blood tests in some cases
Treatment:
- Motion sickness and anti-nausea medications
- Diuretics
- Antibiotics (Gentamycin)
- Oral or injectable steroids
- Low-sodium diet
- Limiting caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and monosodium glutamate
- Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding allergens
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
- Hearing aids
- Surgery (endolymphatic sac procedure, vestibular nerve section, or labyrinthectomy)
Prevention:
- There is no known way to prevent Ménière’s disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
If you think you may have Ménière’s disease, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.