Vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and sporadic hearing loss are three of the most discernible indications of a condition called “Meniere’s disease”. Meniere’s disease is a condition of the inner ear which induces problems with hearing and balance. Whilst medical science has not yet found a cure for this disease, there are a number of steps you can take to decrease its symptoms and minimize its impact on your day-to-day life.
Many people experience Meniere’s disease symptoms in episodes. An episode may begin with a feeling of fullness in the ear accompanied by tinnitus and a decrease in hearing. Shortly after these symptoms begin, you may begin to suffer vertigo, a feeling of dizziness not unlike what you might experience after quickly spinning around several times. This vertigo may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and balance impairment. Episodes vary in length, sometimes ending as quickly as twenty minutes or lasting for hours.
It is common for Meniere’s disease episodes to appear in clusters, with individuals enjoying periods of ‘remission’ between groups of episodes. Symptoms vary from episode to episode in terms of intensity and duration. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your doctor to rule out more serious conditions.
There is no clear cause of Meniere’s disease, but researchers theorize that abnormalities in the volume or composition of fluids in the inner ear may be to blame. Your ear relies on very specific levels of fluid volume and pressure to function as it should. Triggers such as improper drainage, allergies, head trauma, and viral infection could all lead to fluid abnormalities.
Even though there is no method to cure Meniere’s disease, there are ways to manage the symptoms. People who experience nausea as a result of vertigo can use anti-nausea medications to alleviate their symptoms. Prescription medications that help reduce fluid retention can also help control the disease. Rehabilitation and hearing aids can help manage vertigo and hearing loss. Be sure to sit or lie down immediately if you are experiencing vertigo, and avoid triggers such as television or bright lights to help lessen an episode’s severity.
Meniere’s disease does carry some uncomfortable symptoms, but with the help of your doctor it does not need to significantly disrupt your life.