Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of severe dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear. You may also experience hearing loss, which may progress further, ultimately leading to permanent hearing loss. In most cases of Meniere’s disease, only one ear is affected but both ears can also be affected.

Episodes of vertigo may be sudden or occur after brief symptoms of ringing in the ear or muffled hearing. The attacks can be closer together over a number of days, or you may have episodes occurring after longer periods of time. In some cases, Meniere’s disease can advance to the extent that you may lose your balance and fall (called drop attacks).

There is no definite cause of Meniere’s disease, though people with allergies and autoimmune disorders are more prone to getting affected by this disease. It is also popularly believed that it occurs due to fluid build-up in the compartments of the inner ear, called the labyrinth – the part of the ear responsible for balance. When membranous labyrinth produces excess fluid, it flows into other areas of the ear, causing damage as membranes inside the ear stretch and other tissues in the inner ear become swollen. Injury to the head, viral infections and genetics may also play a role in causing this disease.

Meniere’s disease is more common in the older population, affecting mostly adults aged between 40 and 60 years. It can occur at a younger age too. It is considered a chronic condition, meaning that it affects you over the long term. However, the right treatment provides relief from symptoms and helps you manage them to enable you to lead your life normally.

When to seek expert advice

Symptoms of Meniere’s disease are similar to those of other disorders of the ears. Therefore, it’s important that correct diagnosis is made so that the right treatment method can be promptly started.

If you encounter any of the symptoms of Meniere’s disease discussed above that interfere with your normal activities, you must seek immediate advice from an expert at the Section of ENT (Otolaryngology).