Meniere’s disease is an illness of the inner ear that causes spontaneous periods of vertigo along with hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and sometimes a feeling of pressure in the ear. In most cases, Meniere’s disease affects only one ear.

People in their 40s and 50s are more likely than people in other age groups to develop Meniere’s disease, but it can occur in anyone, even children.

Symptoms

The primary signs and symptoms of Meniere’s disease are:

    • Recurring episodes of vertigo. Vertigo is similar to the sensation you experience if you spin around several times and suddenly stop. You feel as if you are spinning, and you lose your balance. Episodes of vertigo occur without warning and usually last 20 minutes to two hours or even longer.
    • Hearing loss. Hearing loss in Meniere’s disease may vary, particularly early in the course of the disease. Eventually, most people experience some degree of permanent hearing loss.
    • Tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of a ringing, buzzing, roaring, whistling or hissing sound in your ear. With Meniere’s disease, tinnitus is often low-pitched.
    • Aural fullness. Aural fullness is the feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.

A typical episode might start with a feeling of fullness in your ear, increasing tinnitus and decreasing hearing followed by severe vertigo, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Such an episode might last two to three hours. Episodes often occur in clusters, with long periods of mild or no symptoms between.

The severity, frequency and duration of each of these sensory perception problems vary widely from person to person. For example, you could have frequent episodes with severe vertigo and only mild disturbances in other sensations. Or you may experience mild vertigo and hearing loss infrequently but have frequent tinnitus that disturbs your sleep.

Treatment

Although Meniere’s disease is considered a chronic condition, there exist various treatment strategies that can help relieve symptoms and minimise the disease’s long-term impact on your life. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, medical procedures and certain types of surgery.

People with Meniere’s disease may find that the condition has a significant impact on their emotional health. The unpredictable attacks can cause anxiety and the hearing loss may lead to depression.

You can learn how to live more comfortably with Meniere’s. Limiting the amount of salt you eat can often keep Meniere’s under control. Other tips – such as reducing stress in your life and learning what to do during an attack – may also help. Above all, stay active and keep a positive outlook.

 

Sources
http://www.healthsoc.co.za
http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.nhs.uk