Meniere’s disease is a type of hearing disorder in which the person experiences ringing sound in the ears and a feeling of fullness in the ears. It was first reported by Prosper Meniere, a French physician and hence the disorder is given his name. In some cases, it may lead to loss of hearing. It develops as an episode resulting in vertigo, nausea and vomiting sensation. The hearing capacity of the person can get affected due to repeated episodes of spinning and ringing in the ears.
It comes as a sudden attack for some people which may last for 2-4 hours. In severe cases it can cause sudden fall resulting in accidents. The affected person may feel that he/she is tilted and falling though he/she may be in straight position. The episodes/attacks of Meniere’s disease can occur either as clusters or there can be considerable gap between two episodes. Meniere’s disease is a rare phenomenon occurring only in 0.2% of the total population. And this problem starts in one ear often and slowly extends to both the ears. Many people having this disease may develop bilateral disease in due course.
Symptoms :
Meniere’s disease is characterized with episodes of ringing in ears, spinning feeling and fluctuating hearing loss. In many cases it can cause permanent hearing problem or even loss in patients. The person may feel feeling of fullness in his ears and build up pressure in the ears. Often it starts in one ear and gradually proceeds to the other. The symptoms may start at any age but is more common in the age group of 20 to 50.
There can be recurring attacks vertigo (spinning sensation) which may last for few minutes to hours and in some cases it can lead to nausea and vomiting sensation. Meniere’s disease can cause hearing loss after each episode and for some it can cause permanent loss of hearing. Tinnitus (loud ringing noise in the ear) and buzzing or whistling sound is common symptom of this disease.