Affecting the inner ear, Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition causing hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Effects can occur in short or long episodes and tend to get worse over time, particularly without treatment. Meniere’s disease has no cure.
As ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, our team at Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates are your best option in Lawrence and Ottawa if you suspect Meniere’s disease, or any other issue relating to balance or hearing. Let’s take a closer look this month at how Meniere’s disease can be managed.
Meniere’s disease is episodic. Symptoms typically last anywhere between 20 minutes and 24 hours. Sometimes these episodes are frequent and sequential while other times you could have long periods of remission.
You may be able to avoid flare-ups by avoiding the conditions that trigger them. A symptom diary may help you identify circumstances and conditions that trigger Meniere’s episodes. Some of the more common Meniere’s triggers include:
People with autoimmune conditions or those prone to migraines may see their Meniere’s triggered by these medical conditions.
Some medications can bring elements of your Meniere’s disease under control. These include:
Injections into the middle ear can help vertigo symptoms. Certain corticosteroids can reduce vertigo attacks without damaging hearing. An antibiotic called gentamicin can deliberately damage the part of your ear that causes vertigo, but it carries a risk of hearing loss, so it’s only used in specific circumstances.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy improves balance and reduces dizzy spells for some patients. Specific exercises help you regain control over your body systems responsible for balance.
Advanced treatments for Meniere’s disease include several surgical options, though these are recommended only when conservative and intermediate treatments fail to produce results.
The buildup of fluids in your inner ear causes Meniere’s disease, though it’s not always clear why this buildup occurs. Lifestyle changes largely focus on controlling fluid levels in your body. We often recommend:
Sleep hygiene is another lifestyle discipline that helps many Meniere’s patients. Hearing aids can help in later stages of the condition if you suffer from permanent hearing loss or tinnitus.
Contact Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates to investigate any unexpected incidents of hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. Call or click to book an examination with our nearest office today.
