Ménière’s Disease is a rare disorder of the inner ear leading to several symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and discomfort in the year. The disease is most common in people of ages 40 to 60. However the disease can develop at any age. The condition is deemed incurable and is a lifelong condition. However modern medicine can help ease symptoms and make the patient more comfortable. It is important to check with a healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms of Ménière’s disease. Overall Ménière’s disease is still a very mysterious disorder. In order to gain an understanding of the disorder, let’s explore the disease in more depth.
What is Ménière’s Disease?
Ménière’s disease refers to a chronic condition of the inner ear. Oftentimes the disease is caused by an imbalance and or change in the production and absorption of fluid (Endolymph) of the inner ear. Endolymph is a form of fluid which identifies motion by movement of sound waves and activates hearing and balancing neurons. When this fluid experiences changes, it can negatively affect the specialized hearing receptor cells within the year, leading to Ménière’s disease. The disease is unpredictable and each patient experiences different yet similar symptoms such as vertigo, decrease in hearing and more. Although it commonly affects only one ear, some patients can experience these symptoms in both ears. Today, about 615,000 people are diagnosed with Ménière’s disease in the United States. There is no definite way to diagnose Ménière’s disease. Usually, a patient will undergo several tests including hearing and vestibular tests to rule out other possible conditions and diseases.
What are the primary symptoms of Ménière’s disease?
- Vertigo is a term referring to dizziness. More specifically, people with vertigo experience a feeling of spinning around. As if the world around them is spinning. Vertigo is much more severe than simple dizziness. Vertigo is unpredictable and can lass from short to long periods of time.
- Tinnitus is a sound that patients hear that are not from external sources. It is usually a ringing sound that often only affects one ear. However, people experience different sounds such as buzzing or even roaring. Tinnitus can be very annoying, and result in difficulty hearing.
- Hearing loss is a major symptom of Ménière’s disease. Due to the imbalance, and tinnitus, people often experience permanent hearing loss. However, with medication, medicine can and will prevent worsening hearing loss of a patient.
- Discomfort is also a minor yet very annoying symptom. People may experience a feeling of clogged or plugged feeling within the ear.
- Vision loss is a very rare symptom. Some patients can experience mild vision loss and discomfort. This vision loss can oftentimes amplify symptoms such as vertigo.
How Ménière’s disease is diagnosed
Again, it is important to consult with a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms described above. Some major tests are described as the following:
- Hearing Test - performed by an audiologist, the test can determine the patient's type and configuration of hearing loss
- Balance Test - through measuring eye-movement of a patient, doctors can test the balance system of the person.
- Electrocochleography - minor test compared to the two above. This test is often an additional test that records a patient's auditory evoked potential. These tests often helps medical professionals to determine if a patient has Ménière’s or other similar diseases.
Medication and Ways to Support
There is no definite treatment or medication that can suppress Ménière’s disease. Not to be discouraged, there are some medicines that can make a patient's symptoms mild and suppress extreme episodes of vertigo. Other daily options can be lowering the amount of sodium intake in a day. This can reduce the pressure of fluid in your inner ear. Reality is that patients will suffer with symptoms in their daily life. Additionally, the disease is not visibly present. If a friend or family is diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, it is important to fully understand and support them. Try to reduce their stress levels, as emotional disturbance and stress can trigger symptoms.
Work Cited
“Meniere’s Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” HearingTracker, www.hearingtracker.com/resources/menieres-disease. Accessed 14 June 2024.
“Audiologist Answers Questions about Meniere’s Disease: Ask an Audiologist.” Askanaudiologist, 25 Aug. 2023, askanaudiologist.com/menieres-disease/.
“Meniere’s Disease.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Jan. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374910#:~:t ext=Meniere’s%20disease%20is%20most%20common,you%20have%20an%20autoimmune%2 0disorder.
“What Is Ménière’s Disease? - Diagnosis and Treatment.” National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/menieres-disease#:~:text=M%C3%A9ni%C3%A8re’s%2520disease %2520is%2520a%2520disorder,usually%2520affects%2520only%2520one%2520ear. Accessed 14 June 2024. “Meniere’s Disease.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Jan. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374910#:~:t ext=Meniere’s%20disease%20is%20an%20inner,ages%20of%2040%20to%2060.
