Meniere’s disease is a disorder in the inner ear that can produce dizziness (vertigo) and hearing loss. Meniere’s syndrome in most cases would usually affect one ear only.
The majority of people who suffer from Meniere’s disease are between the ages of 20 and 60, although it can strike at any age. It’s a chronic illness that can lead to various symptoms that affect one’s daily living.
Symptoms:
The following are signs and symptoms of Meniere’s disease:
- Recurrance of vertigo – You feel dizzy for no apparent reason, and the dizziness is accompanied by a kind of spinning sensation that starts and stops suddenly. Vertigo episodes come on without warning and last 20 minutes to several hours in duration, but not more than 24 hours. Nausea can be induced by severe vertigo.
- Tinnitus (Ringing in the ear) – Tinnitus is the perception of a ringing, buzzing, roaring, whistling, or hissing sound in your ear.
- Feeling of fullness in the ear – A feeling of pressure in an afflicted ear (aural fullness) is a common symptom of Meniere’s disease.
- Hearing loss – Hearing loss in Meniere’s disease is often temporary, and might come and go; particularly at first. Some might develop some permanent hearing loss in the long run.
After an episode, symptoms typically improve and become less obvious. The number of occurrences may decrease over time.
Causes:
The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown. Although Meniere’s disease appears to be caused by an abnormal amount of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear, it isn’t clear what causes it.
Fluid in the inner ear can be affected by a variety of factors, some of which may contribute to Meniere’s disease, such as:
- Fluid drainage may be abnormal, indicating a blockage or an anatomical abnormality.
- Abnormal immune response
- Viral infection
Worst Case Scenarios:
The unpredictable attacks of vertigo, as well as the potential for permanent hearing loss, are the most challenging aspects of Meniere’s disease. The illness may unexpectedly disrupt your life, causing exhaustion and stress.
Vertigo can cause you to lose your balance, raising the likelihood of falls and injuries.
Treatment for Menier’s disease
The cause of Menier’s disease is unknown, and there is no known cure. However, certain treatment methods and intervention can help to alleviate the symptoms.
The following are some of the recommended treatment types:
(1) Medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe anti-dizziness and anti-nausea medications. If those symptoms appear, this can be beneficial. So, when you’re feeling dizzy, medication for motion sickness can help relieve the discomfort.
(2) Diuretic: Another drug option is a diuretic, which may be discussed during your visit. The idea is that reducing fluid retention might help relieve pressure on your inner ear. This medicine isn’t used to treat acute issues; instead, it’s used long-term.
(3) Steroid shots: Certain steroids, particularly injections, can provide temporary alleviation of Meniere’s symptoms, especially vertigo.
(4) Surgery: Meniere’s disease can be cured through surgery in some situations. These surgical operations, on the other hand, are generally only utilized to treat the vertigo aspect of Meniere’s illness. Thus, the downside is that other symptoms of Menieres syndrome will still persist.
(5) Rehabilitation: When Meniere’s disease is acting up, certain physical therapies can help with balance. This technique might be useful if you experience dizziness or vertigo on a regular basis.
(6) Positive pressure therapy: The use of a non-invasive technique is necessary when managing Meniere’s disease is particularly challenging. This treatment, known as positive pressure therapy, is the medical term for it. To prevent fluid accumulation, this therapy entails putting the inner ear under positive pressure, though peer review has not yet confirmed the long-term advantages of this method.
(7) Hearing aid: If you have Meniere’s disease and your hearing loss grows, you may wish to try a hearing aid. A hearing aid is not usually responsible for the advancement of your hearing loss in most cases. However, it can help you stay socially active, which has been shown to be beneficial to one’s mental health. Hearing aids can also assist with treating tinnitus.
At Amazing Hearing, we have a team of hearing aids specialists as well as audiologists to help diagnose the cause of your hearing loss, as well as to recommend proper rehabilitation options for you. Consult us today if you have any questions regarding hearing loss treatment options.
