Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause severe dizziness (vertigo), hearing loss, and ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus). It’s often characterized by episodes of vertigo lasting from minutes to hours, accompanied by a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. While there’s no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Symptoms:
Vertigo: A spinning or whirling sensation, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Hearing loss: Can be intermittent or permanent, and may affect low-frequency sounds first.
Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the affected ear.
Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear: .
Loss of balance: Due to the vertigo and inner ear issues.
Possible Causes:
While the exact cause is unknown, it’s thought to be related to a buildup of fluid in the inner ear, specifically endolymph.
This fluid buildup can disrupt the signals between the inner ear and the brain, leading to symptoms.
Diagnosis:
A doctor will assess your medical history and perform a physical exam.
A hearing test can help determine the extent of any hearing loss.
Other tests, like vestibular testing, may be used to assess balance and inner ear function.