Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear causing ear fullness, ringing and loss of hearing. There will be constant spinning motion inside the ears and pressure on the inner ear. The flow of fluids will not be at normal rate for the person affected with Meniere’s disease. Very often, it affects only one ear. Though this disease can develop on people of any age, it occurs largely on adults of 40-50 years. Medications are available for controlling the symptoms and many times diet and little changes in lifestyle can help you to overcome the symptoms. In rare cases, surgery is the option.
Meniere’s Disease Symptoms :
1. Vertigo Episodes :
There will be a sensation of spinning movement inside the ears. It is very much like the feeling you get when you stop suddenly after spinning for several times. It causes loss of balance and it occurs almost suddenly without any warning. This episode may last for few minutes or even hours. It can cause vomiting/nausea.
2. Hearing loss :
Loss of hearing is not certain in all the people affected with Meniere’s disease and it depends on the intensity of the disease. It can cause certain degree of hearing loss and for some it can be permanent.
3. Tinnitus :
It is a feeling of constant ringing sound in the ear and many people complain this as roaring sound or whistling sound inside the ears. In addition, there will be fullness feeling in the ear due to increased pressure caused by flow of fluids. First it starts with fullness feeling followed by tinnitus followed by vertigo. The entire episode may occur for 20-30 minutes or even more. Since there is variation in the duration of the episodes, it can cause mild to severe disturbance in hearing.
Causes :
Exact cause of Meniere’s disease is not known. It is believed to develop due to excess flow of fluids in the inner ear. If you look into the inner ear, you can see a group of cavities and passages. The outer part of inner ear is made of bony labyrinth and inner portion is called as membrane labyrinth. This membrane portion contains endolymph (a special fluid) and has a lining of hairy structures which respond to fluid movements. For these sensors of hairy structures to function properly, the fluid should maintain constant volume and pressure. However if there is excess of fluid pressure it can lead to Meniere’s disease. Certain factors like migraine, abnormal immunity, improper fluid drainage and viral infection can affect the fluid quantity and pressure.