Hearing Services of Nashville

Woman leaning against wall because of recurring dizziness.

No one’s really sure what causes Meniere’s disease. But the effects are difficult to dismiss. Some common symptoms of this condition are dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss. Scientists aren’t really certain why, but for some reason, fluid can build up in the ears and this seems to be the root cause of Meniere’s disease.

So the question is: how can you treat something that doesn’t seem to have a discernible cause? The answer is, well, complicated.

Exactly what is Meniere’s disease?

Meniere’s disease is a chronic disorder that impacts the inner ear. Symptoms of Meniere’s will get worse as time passes, for many people, because it’s a progressive disease. Here are some of those symptoms:

Unpredictable spells of vertigo: Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell when these attacks of vertigo will occur or how long they will last.

Tinnitus: The intensity of this tinnitus could ebb and flow, but it’s not abnormal for those with Meniere’s Disease to experience ringing in their ears.

Fullness in the ear: This is experienced as a sensation of pressure in your ears and is medically referred to as aural fullness.

Hearing loss: In the long run, Meniere’s disease can result in a loss of hearing.

It’s important that you get an accurate diagnosis if you’re noticing these symptoms. For many people with Meniere’s, symptoms are irregular. But as the disease progresses, the symptoms will most likely become more consistent.

Treatment for Menier’s disease

There is no known cure for Menier’s disease which is chronic and progressive. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t any way to treat it.

The following are a few of those treatments:

  • Positive pressure therapy: When Meniere’s disease is especially challenging to treat, this non-invasive technique can be utilized. It’s known as positive pressure therapy. This treatment involves subjecting the inner ear to positive pressure in order to limit fluid buildup. Peer review has not, as of yet, verified the long-term benefits of this approach but it does seem encouraging.
  • Steroid shots: Some symptoms of Meniere’s, particularly vertigo, can be temporarily alleviated with injections of specific steroids.
  • Medications: In some instances, your physician will be able to prescribe anti-dizziness and anti-nausea medications. This can help when those specific symptoms occur. So, when a bout of dizziness happens, medication for motion sickness can help relieve that dizziness.
  • Rehabilitation: When Meniere’s disease is flaring up, You can employ certain physical therapies that can help with balance. If you’re perpetually dizzy or experiencing vertigo, this approach may be warranted.
  • Diuretic: A diuretic is another medication option that may be prescribed by your doctor. The concept here is that the pressure in the inner ear can be minimized by reducing retention of fluid. This medication is not used to treat acute symptoms but instead is taken long-term.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery is used to address Meniere’s. However, these surgical techniques will normally only affect the vertigo part of symptoms. Other Meniere’s symptoms will remain.
  • Hearing aid: As Meniere’s disease progresses and your hearing loss gets worse, you might want to try a hearing aid. The progression of your hearing loss won’t necessarily be slowed down by hearing aids. But it can help your mental health by keeping you socially engaged. Hearing aids can also help you deal with the symptoms of tinnitus in numerous ways.

Get the correct treatment for you

If you suspect you have Meniere’s disease, you should get examined. The advancement of Meniere’s disease might be slowed by these treatments. More frequently, however, they reduce the effect that Meniere’s will have on your day-to-day life.

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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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