Meniere’s disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

What are the symptoms?

People aged between 20 and 60 are more susceptible to a particular condition. Recognising symptoms early can be crucial for timely intervention, especially for the preservation of hearing health.

Common indications include:

• Sensation of pressure in the ear

• Sudden spells of dizziness (vertigo)

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)

• Muffled hearing or hearing loss

While this condition typically impacts one ear, there's a possibility of it affecting both over time. Episodes usually last from a few minutes to a few hours, with lingering fatigue afterward. It's essential to note that the manifestation of this condition can vary among individuals, with episodes occurring regularly or sporadically, ranging from days to weeks or even years apart.

What is the diagnosis?

Meniere’s disease symptoms have an abrupt onset, but actual severity varies from person to person.

Stage 1: Unexpected episodes of vertigo, sometimes lasting up to a whole day; partial hearing loss, typically abating after each episode; the beginnings of tinnitus.

Stage 2: Lessening of vertigo, but hearing loss and tinnitus becoming more pronounced; sufferers experience a ‘remission’ from symptoms, which can last as long as several months.

Stage 3: Vertigo bouts even more uncommon, but tinnitus and hearing loss getting steadily worse; balance issues.

No matter what stage you are diagnosed with, it’s important that you seek medical treatment immediately. A doctor or hearing specialist such as one of the audiologists here at Boots Hearingcare will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your case.

What are the causes?

No one knows exactly what causes Meniere's disease. It’s linked to having excess fluid in the inner ear, although medical professionals can’t confirm this for certain.

Because it has no concrete, identifiable cause, thought to be brought on by a range of factors, including:

• Fluid not draining from the ear properly

• Allergies

• Genetic susceptibility

• Migraines

• Injury to the head or ear

• Viral infection

• Autoimmune complications

If any of the above apply to you and you’re exhibiting symptoms, please visit your GP for a firm diagnosis.

What are the treatments?

Meniere’s disease currently has no cure, but there are treatment options to manage symptoms, such as:

• Medication – typically to provide relief from dizziness and vertigo

• Injections – if symptoms are particularly troublesome

• Therapy – counselling, cognitive behavioural, or relaxation (support groups are great too)

• Surgery – normally only in severe cases

Your GP will be able to suggest the best treatment for you.