The cause of Meniere’s is not really understood. But the effects are difficult to underestimate. Ringing in the ears, vertigo, dizziness, and hearing loss are all common symptoms of this disease. Symptoms of Meniere’s disease appear to stem from an accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, but scientists aren’t really certain what causes that buildup initially.
So here’s the question: if a condition doesn’t have a discernible cause, how can it be addressed? It’s a complex answer.
What exactly is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease is a persistent condition that impacts the inner ear. For many people, Meniere’s disease is progressive, meaning symptoms will grow worse over time. Here are some of those symptoms:
Unpredictable spells of vertigo: Sadly, when these bouts of vertigo will strike and how long they may last can’t be predicted.
Tinnitus: The intensity of this tinnitus may ebb and flow, but it’s not unusual for those with Meniere’s Disease to have ringing in their ears.
Fullness in the ear: This manifests as a feeling of pressure in your ears and is medically referred to as aural fullness.
Hearing loss: Meniere’s disease can result in hearing loss over time.
It’s critical that you get an accurate diagnosis if you’re experiencing these symptoms. Symptoms of Meniere’s disease can appear and disappear for many people. But as the disease advances, the symptoms will most likely become more regular.
Treatment for Menier’s disease
Meniere’s disease is a progressive and persistent condition which has no known cure. But there are some ways to deal with the symptoms.
The following are a few of those treatments:
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery is used to treat Meniere’s. Normally, however, only the vertigo side of the disease is impacted by this surgery. It won’t impact the other symptoms.
- Diuretic: Another form of medication that your physician might prescribe is a diuretic. The idea is that reducing the retention of fluids might help minimize pressure on your inner ear. This is a long-term medication that you’d take as opposed to one to decrease severe symptoms.
- Positive pressure therapy: When Meniere’s disease is especially hard to manage, this non-invasive approach can be utilized. It’s known as positive pressure therapy. This therapy involves exposing the inner ear to positive pressure as a way to limit fluid buildup. Peer review has not, as of yet, confirmed the long-term advantages of this approach but it does seem encouraging.
- Steroid shots: Some symptoms of Meniere’s, especially vertigo, can be temporarily relieved with injections of specific steroids.
- Rehabilitation: When Meniere’s disease is acting up, You can employ certain physical therapies that can help with balance. If you’re regularly dizzy or experiencing vertigo, this approach may be warranted.
- Hearing aid: It might be time to get hearing aids if Meniere’s disease is progressing to the point where your ability to hear is failing. The progression of your hearing loss won’t necessarily be slowed by hearing aids. But it can help keep you socially engaged which can improve your mental health. Hearing aids can also help you control the symptoms of tinnitus in numerous ways.
- Medications: Anti-nausea and anti-dizziness medications can be prescribed by your doctor in some instances. This can help when those particular symptoms occur. So, when a bout of dizziness occurs, medication for motion sickness can help relieve that dizziness.
Find the right treatment for you
You should get checked out if think you might have Meniere’s disease. The development of Meniere’s disease may be slowed down by these treatments. But these treatments more frequently help you have a greater quality of life in spite of your condition.