What is Ménière’s disease and what can be done for it?

Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that is associated with attacks of dizziness and vertigo, hearing loss, fullness or pressure in the ear, and ringing or roaring in the ear. It may be very debilitating and can cause permanent hearing loss. It is caused by a buildup of fluid pressure in the inner ear. This increased pressure results in dysfunction of hearing and balance. Ménière’s disease is diagnosed from signs and symptoms. Hearing tests and tests of inner ear pressure may substantiate the diagnosis.

Treatment involves restriction of salt in the diet, diuretics and steroids to reduce pressure in the inner ear, medications to control the dizziness and nausea, and sometimes surgery. When conservative treatment is unsuccessful in controlling symptoms, a procedure known as intratympanic perfusion may be helpful, which involves injections of medication into the middle ear to control vertigo.

At the Shea Ear Clinic, we have a tremendous amount of experience in treating Ménière’s disease and have developed many innovative techniques. If you or one of your loved ones has Ménière’s disease cut I encourage you to pay us a visit. Thank you.