Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition caused by increased fluid pressure in the inner ear and is characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It usually begins in one ear and may lead to progressive hearing loss over time.<\/p>\n
Attacks of Meniere’s disease typically last from several minutes to several hours. During an attack, imbalance and nausea are common. The disease can significantly limit a person’s daily life and social activities. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary.<\/p>\n
Although the exact cause is unknown, genetic factors, autoimmune mechanisms, and vascular abnormalities are thought to play a role. Salt intake, stress, and irregular sleep can increase the frequency of attacks. Therefore, lifestyle management is essential.<\/p>\n
Treatment includes salt restriction, fluid balance, stress management, and medications. Surgical methods may be considered in advanced cases. Regular follow-up can slow the progression of hearing loss and reduce the severity of attacks.<\/p>\n
Meniere’s disease is a chronic and progressive condition that causes permanent functional loss in the inner ear. Since this chronic condition significantly weakens the balance structures in the inner ear, individuals may experience balance problems severe enough to affect daily life. In such cases, these individuals need vestibular rehabilitation services provided by audiologists.<\/p>\n
| Definition<\/td>\n | A chronic disease characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus caused by increased pressure of the endolymph fluid in the inner ear.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Causes<\/td>\n | – Problems with endolymphatic fluid absorption<\/p>\n Genetic predisposition<\/p>\n Autoimmune diseases<\/p>\n Viral infections<\/p>\n Stress and dietary factors.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Symptoms<\/td>\n | – Severe and sudden vertigo attacks<\/p>\n Unilateral hearing loss (initially often temporary)<\/p>\n Feeling of fullness in the ear<\/p>\n Tinnitus.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Duration<\/td>\n | Vertigo attacks last between 20 minutes and several hours; symptoms usually decrease between attacks.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Diagnostic Methods<\/td>\n | – Audiometric tests (to evaluate hearing loss)<\/p>\n Tympanometry<\/p>\n Videonystagmography (VNG)<\/p>\n MRI (to rule out other causes).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Treatment Methods<\/td>\n | – Medical Treatment: Betahistine, diuretics, antiemetics.<\/p>\n Diet: Salt restriction, avoiding caffeine and alcohol.<\/p>\n Surgical Intervention: Endolymphatic shunt surgery, labyrinthectomy (in advanced cases).<\/p>\n Vestibular rehabilitation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Who Is Affected?<\/td>\n | More common in individuals aged 20\u201350; slightly more common in women than men.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Complications<\/td>\n | Permanent hearing loss, decreased quality of life, psychological issues (anxiety, depression).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Follow-up and Recommendations<\/td>\n | Stress management, regular monitoring of inner ear functions, dietary and lifestyle adjustments to reduce attack frequency.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n |