Meniere's Disease

A disorder of the middle ear causing fluctuating hearing loss, pressure, and tinnitus (ringing in the ear), followed by whirling incapacitating vertigo (dizziness), nausea, and vomiting, and the sensation of pair or pressure in the ear.  It usually affects only one ear, though 15% of cases involve both ears.  It typically begins between the ages of 20-50 years.    Between attacks, the patient is symptom free.  Subsequent attacks occur without warning.  Over time, hearing deteriorates initially for low frequencies and later for high frequencies.  There is currently no known cure, but symptoms can be controlled by lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.  Treatment is by decreasing dietary salt intake, elimination of caffeine, tobacco and alcohol, and reducing stress.  Often diuretics (water pills) are given, as well as antivertigo and antinausea drugs, as well as drugs to improve circulation in the inner ear.  For severe cases, surgery  can help relieve vertigo, but does not stop the hearing loss.  A device called the Minette device, which changes external auditory pressure has proven helpful.