Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a common type of sensory hearing loss that is caused by changes in the chemical composition and amount of fluid in the inner ear. This disease usually only affects one ear and can also cause severe dizzy spells, known as vertigo, and loss of hearing. The hearing loss usually fluctuates, but will gradually deteriorate over time.

The cause of Meniere's disease is unknown and people who suffer from it sometimes need medical treatment or surgery to control the bouts of vertigo. There are multiple symptoms linked to the disease and all of them are associated with excessive fluid in the inner ear; which involve both the balance and hearing organs.

Excessive fluid in the cochlea (hearing organ) is known as cochlear hydrops. Excessive fluid in the semicircular canals (balance organ) causes dizziness and is known as vestibular hydrops. Almost all people who have Meniere's disease have both vestibular and cochlear hydrops.

The symptoms of Meniere's disease are dizzy spells associated with hearing loss, tinnitus, along with a feeling of fullness in the ear. The dizzy spells may last from about 20 minutes to a full day. Meniere's disease can strike at any time; however it usually starts between the ages of 30 and 50. Although the cause of the disease is unknown, possible things that trigger it may be stress, excessive salt intake, endocrine problems such as low thyroid function, abnormal sugar metabolism, or an inability to handle fats, leading to high cholesterol and/or triglycerides. There are various forms of medical treatment and surgery to help control the disease. Vertigo can often be prevented or controlled, however tinnitus seldom goes away. If treatment is started while your hearing is still fluctuating, it can sometimes be improved and stabilized the more advanced the disease. However, hearing loss might continue to get worse for some people. Treatment is often effective within two months. If it isn't, surgery could be performed. You will have to go on a low sodium diet until the dizziness disappears and should also abstain from tobacco and caffeine.