5 Min Read
Imagine a sudden spinning sensation that leaves you disoriented, followed by persistent ringing in your ears and hearing loss. This combination of symptoms could be a sign of Meniere’s ear disease. In most cases, it only affects one side of the ear, although there are cases where both are affected.
Studies on the prevalence of Meniere's ear disease are small. However, one particular study published in 2021 determined how common the disease was in Mumbai, particularly in tertiary care hospitals, between August 2019 and March 2020. It revealed that 6 in 1000, or 1 in 167 patients, were diagnosed with Meniere's ear disease1.
In this blog, we will delve more into Meniere’s ear disease, its symptoms, causes, stages, diagnosis, as well as treatments.
Synopsis
What Causes Meniere’s Ear Disease?
The inner ear has a part called the labyrinth, which has two main components: a bony labyrinth and a membranous labyrinth. It is responsible for balance and hearing. The membranous labyrinth is surrounded by a bone filled with a fluid called endolymph. The endolymph moves whenever you move your head, stimulating the nerve receptors and sending signals to the brain about your body’s motion.
In the case of Meniere’s ear disease, there is a significant buildup of endolymph. What causes this buildup is not known. Possible causes include allergies, head injuries, migraines, abnormal immune responses, impaired fluid drainage, or viral infections. It is believed to result from multiple factors that may work together.
What Are the Symptoms of Meniere’s Ear Disease?
There are several symptoms of Meniere’s disorder, which include:
How is Meniere’s Ear Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis for Meniere’s syndrome usually includes discussing your medical history and the duration of symptoms. Doctors cannot diagnose Meniere’s ear disease with a single test or symptom. A hearing test is usually recommended to see if you experience hearing loss.
Another test called the vestibular test battery can be advised to assess inner ear reflexes and eye muscles. Other screening tests may include an electronystagmogram, balance platform testing, rotation tests, and electrocochleography (ECOG). Imaging tests like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be recommended to rule out other diseases like brain tumours.
How is Meniere's Ear Disease Treated?
Treatment for Meniere’s syndrome aims to improve symptoms and does not possess a cure for the disease. Menier’s treatments are usually conservative therapies recommended at first, which can include:
-
Lifestyle changes: This can include changes in diet and behaviour, such as limiting dietary salt, refraining from smoking, consuming diuretics, etc.
-
Medications: Examples may include diazepam and meclizine for vertigo, as well as nausea and vomiting; steroid injections to control Meniere's syndrome; and gentamicin
-
Device Implantation and Therapies: This may include recommending hearing aids, vestibular rehabilitation, cochlear implants, pressure pulse treatment, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
-
Surgeries: It is usually recommended when conservative treatments fail. This can include minimally invasive interventions like an Endolymphatic sac procedure (i.e., decompressing the endolymphatic sac), Vestibular Nerve Section (i.e., cutting the vestibular nerve), or Labyrinthectomy (i.e., removing the labyrinth of affected ear(s)).
Meniere’s Ear Disease—How Should I Take Care of Living with It?
The onset of Meniere's disorder can be sudden, as well as come without any prior warning. It can influence one’s everyday routine, affecting their mental and physical health. Although there is no cure, managing the condition and taking necessary precautions is crucial for maintaining quality of life.
-
Always stick to the medications and schedules prescribed by our expert.
-
Pay attention and respond to your triggers.
-
Exercise caution while performing sports or work-related activities like climbing, swimming, using heavy and dangerous machinery, etc.
-
Follow healthy dietary and lifestyle habits, such as drinking a lot of water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, as well as high-sodium and salty foods like potato chips.
-
Abstain from driving, especially if you have episodes of vertigo.
-
Try to get plenty of rest.
Conclusion
The exact causes of Meniere’s disorder remain unclear, and much of the scientific research focuses on improving its diagnosis. For instance, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), USA, is working on advanced diagnostic methods2. These include techniques like auditory nerve overlapped waveform testing to detect early signs of Meniere’s syndrome and analysing chemical compounds in the earwax to confirm the condition. The organisation is also dedicated to studying the ear’s anatomy in detail to uncover the underlying causes of Meniere’s disorder. Furthermore, while gentamicin is sometimes prescribed by doctors, it can lead to hearing loss in some individuals by damaging the inner ear’s hair cells. The NIDCD aims to understand the specific reasons behind this side effect.
At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, the Department of ENT possesses advanced diagnostic techniques and instruments, as well as skilled ENT specialists to identify Meniere's ear disease. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above and suspect this condition, visit Manipal Hospitals for expert evaluation and care.
FAQ's
Meniere’s ear disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that causes symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), vertigo, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. It usually affects one ear, though both ears can be impacted in some cases.
Living with Meniere's disease requires managing triggers and taking precautions. Key strategies include:
Stick to prescribed medications and treatments.
Avoid triggers such as stress, loud noises, or weather changes.
Be cautious with physical activities, especially those involving balance.
Maintain a healthy diet, avoid alcohol and high-sodium foods, and drink plenty of water.
Consider avoiding driving during vertigo episodes.
There are no preventive methods that exist to prevent Meniere's ear disease. Current therapies are based on symptomatic treatments. Early diagnosis, however, can help greatly to reduce complications. The sooner the diagnosis, the better the outcomes of treatment.
Untreated Meniere’s disease can lead to progressive hearing loss, chronic vertigo, and a significant impact on daily functioning. It can also affect mental health due to the unpredictable nature of symptoms.
CBT is usually recommended to help individuals with Meniere’s ear disease cope with mental health conditions like depression, stress, and anxiety.
Age is a risk factor, with adults between 40 and 60 at the risk of developing Meniere's ear disease. Moreover, females have slightly higher chances than men of getting diagnosed. Genetics also plays a crucial role. The disease can occur if individuals have an autoimmune condition like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.
You can schedule an appointment with specialists in the Department of ENT at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/mukundapur/specialities/ear-nose-throat/
Contact no: 03369070001
Share this article on:
