Meniere's disease: dizziness, ringing in the ears and hearing loss

The symptoms of Meniere's disease

It is characteristic of Meniere's disease that the symptoms appear suddenly. Here is an overview of the three symptoms:

- Meniere's disease causes dizzy spells that last for minutes and, in severe cases, for hours. The dizzy spells can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Affected people may not be able to stand upright.

- Hearing loss. The dizzy spells typical of Meniere's disease can be accompanied by a deterioration in hearing. The low frequency range is often affected. The hearing loss usually goes away when the vertigo stops. If the vertigo attacks are frequent, permanent hearing loss is possible.

- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus). During an attack of vertigo, non-localised ringing in the ears may also occur, often together with the hearing loss. Tinnitus may also be permanent if attacks are frequent.

Because there can be long intervals between attacks and the symptoms do not have to occur at the same time, diagnosing Meniere's disease is difficult and requires a series of tests.

The causes of Meniere's disease

What causes the disease is not yet fully understood. It has been proven that the cause of the symptoms is endolymphatic hydrops (hydrops cochleae). This is caused by a pathological increase in endolymph, a potassium-rich fluid in the inner ear. This fluid is found in tiny cavities in the cochlea and the organ of balance and is necessary for their function. If too much endolymph is produced, the pressure in the cavities increases and hearing and balance problems occur. It is not yet clear how this increased fluid build-up in the ear occurs.

Treatment of Meniere's disease

Because it is not certain what triggers endolymphatic hydrops, a causal treatment for Meniere's disease is not yet possible. Therefore, doctors focus on prophylaxis and symptom relief.

In the acute treatment of Meniere's disease, the doctor prescribes medication against the dizziness, possibly also against nausea. The effect of direct drug treatment of endolymphatic hydrops with the aim of reducing the amount of fluid is controversial in medical research.

An adapted lifestyle with a diet rich in potassium and low in sodium chloride as well as relaxation exercises, sport and avoidance of stress also have a preventive effect.

Is dizziness always a sign of Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease is a rare disease, affecting only five to ten percent of all patients who complain of dizziness. Therefore, not every disturbance of balance is an indication of the disease. However, a discussion with an ENT doctor is urgently recommended, because the cause of dizziness must be clarified.

How can hearing aids help?

If Meniere's disease has developed a persistent hearing loss due to more frequent attacks of vertigo, a fitting of hearing aids is necessary. Since the degree of hearing loss fluctuates due to the attacks, a hearing care professional must regularly adjust the settings of the hearing aids. Only the ENT doctor can make a sensible recommendation here.