Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder resulting in hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. It’s a rare disorder that’s difficult to diagnose due to displaying symptoms like other diseases. The disease is slowly progressive and significantly impacts an individual.
If you, or someone you know, has been recently diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, you may be wondering how to manage your symptoms and enjoy your coffee dates at Owlbear Café distraction-free.
Symptoms of Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease typically has four common symptoms:
- Varied hearing loss
- Ear pressure
- Tinnitus, or ringing, roaring or buzzing in one or both ears
- Vertigo or dizziness
Other symptoms can include headaches, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdomen pain and uncontrollable eye movements. Vertigo is commonly the most challenging symptom, as it can range anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours.
To be diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, you need to have experienced at least two episodes of vertigo lasting at least 20 minutes to 12 hours. You also need to have hearing loss proved by a hearing test and tinnitus or fullness in the ear.
These symptoms are uncomfortable and shared among other illnesses, so it’s still a good idea to advocate for yourself and talk with a specialist if you’re experiencing some of these symptoms.
Management for Ménière’s Disease
There is currently no cure for Ménière’s disease. However, there are management options and lifestyle adjustments to help minimize the impact of the symptoms.
Management options to consider:
- Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications for antinausea to help lessen the severity of a vertigo attack.
- A doctor can prescribe diuretics or water pills to reduce fluid pressure in the inner ear.
- Middle ear injections such as Gentamicin (an antibiotic) or steroids can be used to help control vertigo, but with some side effects. Gentamicin works by damaging the sick part of your ear, so the healthy part takes over the job for balance. It could result in further hearing damage.
- Noninvasive therapies and procedures such as rehabilitation and wearing hearing aids can help improve balance and hearing.
- Surgery can be an option if vertigo attacks from Ménière’s disease are severe. Surgeries range in complexity. Your hearing specialist can help you navigate these options.
It’s also essential to maintain healthy lifestyle habits with Ménière’s disease. The symptoms can be stressful, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle in other ways can help you cope. The hearing specialists at Charleston ENT can guide you through a Ménière’s disease diagnosis. To talk with a doctor, schedule an appointment at Charleston ENT & Allergy.