Index
It is a disease of the inner ear that typically affects only one ear.
This disease can cause pressure or pain in the ear, severe cases of dizziness or vertigo , hearing loss, and a ringing or ringing sound, also known as tinnitus.
Although Meniere’s disease can affect people of any age, people in their 40s and 50s are much more likely to experience it.
This condition is considered chronic and there is no cure, but there are several treatment strategies that will minimize the effect on your life and alleviate the symptoms. People with Meniere will experience sudden dizziness after experiencing tinnitus or muffled hearing.
Symptoms vary from person to person, with some experiencing many attacks over a period of several days, and others having an isolated attack every now and then.
Possible causes or triggers
The cause of Meniere’s disease is not known. Although there is no exact cause of Meniere, scientists believe it has something to do with high fluid pressure in a part of the inner ear.
The passages and cavities connect through the inner ear, also called the labyrinth. The outside of the inner ear is a bony structure, while the inside is a soft membrane.
This part of the ear contains tiny sensors that resemble hairs and respond to the movement of fluid, or endolymph, through the area. Possible causes or triggers of Meniere’s disease include:
- Head injury
- Infection in the inner or middle ear.
- Allergies
- Alcohol consumption
- Side effects of certain medications.
- Smoke.
- Stress or anxiety
- Fatigue.
- Family history of the disease.
- Respiratory infection.
- Recent viral illness.
- Abnormal immune response.
- Migraines
Symptoms
Meniere’s disease varies dramatically from person to person, so people can experience a variety of different symptoms that occur daily or just once a year. Classic symptoms: pressure in the ear, hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus.
Symptoms usually begin with the sensation of pressure in the ear, followed by tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo. These episodes will last from 20 minutes to four hours. People with Meniere will generally experience group episodes with long periods of remission.
When experiencing an episode of Meniere’s disease, it is best to lie down and focus on a single object that is not moving. Many times, a patient will feel better after taking a nap.
Stages of Meniere’s disease and diagnosis
Meniere’s disease commonly affects people in various stages, with symptoms that develop over time.
- Precocious state: During this time, a person will experience sudden and often unexpected episodes of vertigo that last between 20 minutes and a whole day.
An individual’s ear may feel blocked or full, and they may have some hearing loss, which usually goes away after the episode wears off. It is also common to feel the effects of tinnitus.
- Middle Stage : Vertigo symptoms tend to become less severe during this stage, while hearing loss and tinnitus will increase in severity. Many people will also experience a long-term remission that can last for several months.
- Late phase: During the later stages of Meniere’s disease, patients will not suffer from vertigo as often, and some people will be freed from it forever.
However, tinnitus and hearing loss will likely get progressively worse, and people will likely experience an unstable balance on a regular basis. Most people feel unstable in dark conditions when the bearings are off.
Along with the common symptoms of Meniere’s disease, it is possible to suffer from depression or anxiety. Because the condition affects your hearing, you may lose the confidence to have conversations with other people or at work, which can contribute to depression or anxiety.
Additionally, symptoms tend to appear out of nowhere, so those living with Meniere may live in a constant state of anxiety without knowing when an episode will occur.
To diagnose the disease, you must experience tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo more than once. Since all of these problems can be independent or associated with other diseases, it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose.
Treatment options
Because Meniere’s disease is not curable, many treatment options involve patients changing their habits or diet, or taking medications. Diet changes can decrease the amount of fluid in the inner ear, which can weaken symptoms of the disease.
These changes include:
- Salt intake : Salt helps the body retain water, so you should reduce your intake of foods and beverages rich in sodium.
- Cut down on caffeine : Caffeinated drinks can make symptoms like tinnitus worse, so it is best to decrease the amount of this stimulant in your diet.
- Monosodium Glutamate – Although many food manufacturers have started avoiding the use of MSG due to its harmful properties, it is important to check labels to make sure they are not added.
- Smaller meals: More experts are showing that there are greater benefits to the body if you eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day instead of three larger meals.
This dietary pattern can also improve symptoms of Meniere’s disease by keeping metabolism moving and body fluids regulated.
Similarly, choosing a healthier lifestyle can decrease the number and severity of Meniere’s disease symptoms.
- Smoking: Many people with Meniere’s disease who smoke regularly report weakened symptoms after quitting smoking.
- Stress management: Stress and anxiety are related to Meniere’s disease but both can be a cause and a symptom of the disease.
Learning how to manage and identify stressors can bring relief. It may be beneficial to try relaxation or meditation techniques. If you experience symptoms of tinnitus, hearing loss, and dizziness, see your primary care physician for a referral to an ENT.
