Many people experience hearing loss or tinnitus because of aging or exposure to excessive noise. However, hearing loss can also be caused by Meniere’s disease. Named after the French doctor who first described the condition in the 1800s, this disorder affects the inner ear and can cause dizziness, hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, and uncomfortable pressure or fullness in the ear.
What Is Meniere’s Disease?
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that usually affects one ear. Changes in the fluid balance and pressure within the inner ear are thought to contribute to symptoms such as vertigo, nausea, and dizziness. The condition can also cause fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
Meniere’s disease is most commonly diagnosed in people in their 40s and 50s, although it can affect people of any age. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Meniere’s disease, but treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What Causes Meniere’s Disease?
The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown. However, it may be more common in families with a history of the condition. Changes in the amount or composition of fluid in the inner ear may also play a role.
Several factors have been associated with symptoms or may contribute to attacks, including:
- Allergies
- High levels of stress
- Respiratory infections
- Injuries to the head or neck
- Fluid balance changes in the inner ear
- Ear infections or other ear-related conditions
Meniere’s Disease Symptoms
The main symptoms of Meniere’s disease include episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. These symptoms may occur together or vary from one episode to another.
An episode of Meniere’s disease can feel like an attack and may last from about 20 minutes to several hours. People may experience repeated episodes over a period of days, followed by extended periods with few or no symptoms. These attacks can be exhausting and may interfere with daily activities.
The 3 Stages of Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is sometimes described in three stages, although its progression varies from person to person.
Stage One
In the first stage, symptoms may be mild or occur infrequently. You may experience episodes of vertigo and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. Tinnitus and fluctuating hearing loss may also occur.
Stage Two
During the second stage, tinnitus and hearing loss may become more persistent, while episodes of vertigo may become less frequent or severe. Some people experience long periods of relief between attacks.
Stage Three
In the third stage, episodes of vertigo may become less common, but hearing loss and tinnitus can become more persistent. You may also experience balance difficulties or feel unsteady while walking.
Hearing Loss and Meniere’s Disease
Hearing loss is closely linked to Meniere’s disease. As the condition progresses, hearing loss and tinnitus may become more persistent. Low-frequency hearing loss, which affects the ability to hear lower-pitched sounds, is commonly associated with Meniere’s disease, particularly in its earlier stages.
Over time, hearing loss may become more severe and can eventually affect both ears in some people. Meniere’s disease is also different from vertigo. Vertigo is a symptom involving the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, rather than a disease itself.
Living with Meniere’s Disease
Although Meniere’s disease has no cure, treatments and lifestyle changes may help manage symptoms and reduce the impact of attacks.
Your healthcare provider may recommend dietary changes, such as reducing sodium intake, to help manage symptoms. Some people may also benefit from limiting caffeine and alcohol, particularly if these appear to trigger their symptoms.
Smoking can affect overall health and may worsen symptoms for some people. Quitting smoking can improve your general health and may help you manage your condition.
Learning to manage stress through breathing exercises, meditation, or other relaxation techniques may also help you cope with symptoms. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as diuretics, anti-nausea medications, or motion sickness medications, depending on your individual needs.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Meniere’s disease, including dizziness or loss of balance, contact your healthcare professional or audiologist for an evaluation. Your audiologist can assess your hearing and discuss whether hearing aids may help you hear more clearly. Hearing aids can be selected and adjusted to suit your specific hearing loss, although they do not directly treat the balance problems caused by Meniere’s disease.
If you experience low-frequency or high-frequency hearing loss, hearing aids may help improve your ability to hear. Your audiologist can work with you to determine which type of hearing aid best suits your needs. Tinnitus management and therapy may also help you cope with distracting ringing or other sounds in your ears.
To learn more about Meniere’s disease and hearing care, contact El Dorado Hearing. We are passionate about helping you manage your symptoms. Our team specializes in hearing care and tinnitus management and will work with you to find suitable ways to improve your hearing and quality of life.