Quick Answer Meniere’s disease is an inner ear condition that causes episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, muffled hearing, and a feeling of pressure in the ear. It is considered a chronic condition, though symptoms can often be managed effectively. If you’re experiencing these symptoms together, a specialist vestibular assessment is the right first step.
Named after the French doctor who first described it, Meniere’s disease is an inner ear condition that affects both hearing and balance. It’s considered a chronic condition, meaning it tends to be long-term, and while there’s currently no cure, there are a number of well-established ways to manage symptoms and reduce how much the condition affects day-to-day life.
What causes Meniere’s disease?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but most evidence points to increased pressure within the inner ear. This is thought to be related to a build-up of the fluid that fills the inner ear, known as endolymph, within the endolymphatic sac. For this reason, Meniere’s is sometimes called primary idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops, which is a clinical way of saying there’s abnormal fluid accumulation in the inner ear.
This excess pressure appears to damage the hair cell receptors in the inner ear, which then send disorganised signals to the auditory nerve and the brain, producing the symptoms people with Meniere’s recognise.
Several factors may contribute to or trigger episodes. These include:
- Head injury
- Infection of the inner or middle ear
- Allergies affecting the inner ear
- Certain medications
- Stress or anxiety
- Fatigue
- Alcohol use
- Smoking
- Recent viral illness or respiratory infection
- Abnormal immune response or immune system disorder
- Migraines
- Family history of the condition
What are the symptoms of Meniere’s disease?
The four hallmark symptoms of Meniere’s disease are:
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Vertigo (a sudden sensation of spinning or movement)
- Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ear)
- Muffled hearing or a change in hearing
Episodes often follow a recognisable pattern, typically beginning with a feeling of pressure in the ear, followed by tinnitus, then a change in hearing, and then vertigo. An episode can last anywhere from few minutes to several hours. Many people experience clusters of episodes over several days, while others may have months or even years between attacks.
To reach a formal diagnosis of Meniere’s, a person generally needs to have experienced tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo together on more than one occasion. Because each of these symptoms can also occur independently or as part of other conditions, Meniere’s can sometimes take time to diagnose.
Many people find that resting or sleeping after an attack allows them to feel significantly better.
If your main symptom is vertigo on its own, without the other symptoms above, Meniere’s may not be the cause. A very common vestibular condition called BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) produces similar feelings of dizziness and is caused by tiny displaced crystals in the inner ear. It’s highly treatable. You can read more about BPPV on our BPPV advice page.
What should you do if you think you might have Meniere’s disease?
If you’re experiencing episodes that combine vertigo, tinnitus, hearing changes, and a sensation of pressure in the ear, it’s worth getting a proper assessment. Meniere’s responds best to a management plan that’s tailored to you, and that begins with understanding exactly what’s happening.
At angli-EAR Hearing, our specialist vestibular team can carry out a thorough assessment and discuss the options available to you. We offer a free 15-minute Vestibular and Balance Health Check as an initial conversation, or you can book directly for an Initial Vestibular and Balance Appointment if you’re ready to proceed.
You can call us on 01223 661399 or book online
Frequently asked questions about Meniere’s disease
Is Meniere’s disease serious?
Meniere’s is a chronic condition that can be significantly disruptive, particularly during episodes of vertigo. It doesn’t affect life expectancy, but it can affect quality of life, especially if episodes are frequent. With the right support and management strategies, many people are able to reduce both the frequency and severity of their symptoms.
Can Meniere’s disease be cured?
There is currently no cure for Meniere’s disease, but symptoms can often be managed effectively. Treatment approaches may include dietary adjustments, vestibular rehabilitation, medication to manage vertigo or nausea, and in some cases, medical procedures to reduce pressure in the inner ear. Your audiologist or ENT specialist will help identify the most appropriate approach for you.
How is Meniere’s disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria. You generally need to have experienced two or more episodes involving a combination of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Because each of these can occur with other conditions, a specialist vestibular assessment is important to rule out other causes and reach an accurate diagnosis.
Could my vertigo be BPPV rather than Meniere’s?
Possibly. BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is one of the most common vestibular conditions and is often mistaken for Meniere’s in its early stages. Key differences include that BPPV typically causes vertigo triggered by specific head movements and doesn’t usually involve tinnitus or hearing changes. A specialist assessment will help distinguish between the two. You can find out more about BPPV and other vestibular conditions on our Vestibular and Balance pages.
What vestibular services does angli-EAR Hearing offer?
angli-EAR Hearing offers specialist vestibular and balance assessments at our clinic in Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire. We offer a free 15-minute Vestibular and Balance Health Check for those who aren’t sure where to start, as well as a full Initial Vestibular and Balance Appointment for a comprehensive assessment. You can also book a FREE Ear Health Check or FREE Hearing Screening if you’d like a broader picture of your ear health.
If you think you might have Meniere’s disease and would like to have an assessment, call us on 01223 661399 or book an appointment online.
