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What is Ménière's Disease?

Ménière's disease is a rare inner ear condition that can affect your balance and hearing. It occurs when fluid builds up in the inner ear, causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure in the ear.

While there is no cure for Ménière's disease, the symptoms can be effectively managed with treatment and lifestyle changes. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we provide comprehensive hearing assessments, tinnitus management, and vestibular rehabilitation to help you manage this condition and improve your quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Ménière's Disease

Vertigo

Feeling like you or everything around you is spinning. Episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours and can start suddenly.

Balance Problems

Losing your balance during or after vertigo episodes, making it difficult to stand or walk safely.

Tinnitus

Ringing or buzzing sounds in one or both ears that may vary in intensity before, during, or after episodes.

Hearing Loss

Fluctuating hearing loss that may worsen during attacks. Over time, your hearing may gradually decline and become permanent.

Ear Pressure

Feeling pressure, discomfort, or fullness deep inside your ear, often described as a blocked sensation.

Nausea and Vomiting

Feeling or being sick during vertigo attacks, which can be distressing and debilitating.

Important: Ménière's disease symptoms come and go. Some people have symptoms more often than others. Over time, hearing may gradually worsen and tinnitus may become constant even between episodes.

Ménière's disease assessment

Conditions with Similar Symptoms

Several conditions can have symptoms similar to Ménière's disease. It's important to get a proper diagnosis:

Ear Infections

Infections of the middle or inner ear can cause dizziness and hearing problems

  • Usually accompanied by pain or discharge
  • Often follows a cold or respiratory infection
  • Typically resolves with treatment

Labyrinthitis

Inflammation of the inner ear structures

  • Sudden onset vertigo and hearing loss
  • Usually improves within weeks
  • Often follows a viral infection

Migraine

Vestibular migraine can cause dizziness

  • May or may not include headache
  • Episodes often triggered by specific factors
  • Hearing typically not affected

Do not self-diagnose. If you're experiencing symptoms of dizziness, hearing loss, or tinnitus, it's important to see your GP or contact us for a comprehensive hearing and balance assessment.

Treatment and Management

Medical Treatment

While there's no cure for Ménière's disease, symptoms can be managed:

  • Medicines to help with vertigo, nausea and vomiting
  • Hearing aids to manage hearing loss
  • Tinnitus therapy including sound therapy and counselling
  • Vestibular rehabilitation to improve balance
  • In rare cases, surgery on the inner ear may be offered

Mental Health Support

Living with Ménière's disease can impact your mental health:

  • Counselling can help you cope with the condition
  • Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises
  • Support groups and peer connections
  • Managing anxiety about future episodes
  • Developing coping strategies for daily life

What to Expect at Your Appointment

If you have symptoms of Ménière's disease, your GP will ask about your symptoms, check inside your ears, and examine your head and neck. They may ask you to do some exercises, such as marching on the spot or standing with your heels together and your eyes closed.

If they think you have Ménière's disease, they'll refer you to a specialist for further tests, such as blood tests and an MRI scan. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we can provide comprehensive hearing and balance assessments to support your diagnosis and ongoing management.

Managing Your Symptoms

Do

  • Keep your medicines with you at all times
  • Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated
  • Talk to your GP about trying a low-salt diet
  • Consider the risks when swimming or climbing ladders
  • Take care if using dangerous machinery
  • Rest during and after attacks
  • Join a support group for advice and encouragement

Don't

  • Don't drive if you feel dizzy or vertigo is coming on
  • Don't drink alcohol
  • Don't smoke
  • Try to avoid caffeine in tea, coffee and chocolate
  • Don't ignore symptoms – keep a symptom diary
  • Don't undertake activities that could be dangerous during attacks

Important for Drivers: You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you have dizziness that comes on suddenly or happens often. Visit GOV.UK: Dizziness or vertigo and driving for more information.

When to Seek Professional Help

Call 999 Immediately If:

  • Your face droops on one side
  • You cannot lift up both arms and keep them there
  • You have difficulty speaking (slurred or garbled)
  • You have sudden problems with vision in one eye

These can be signs of a stroke. Do not drive yourself to A&E. The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

See Your GP If:

  • You have symptoms of Ménière's disease
  • Symptoms are getting worse or more frequent
  • Your hearing loss is progressing
  • Tinnitus is becoming more bothersome
  • You need a comprehensive hearing assessment
  • You'd like to explore management options

How Sussex Audiology Centre Can Help

Balance and hearing assessment

Comprehensive Hearing Assessment

We can evaluate your hearing loss, monitor changes over time, and provide appropriate hearing aid solutions.

Tinnitus Management

We offer different types of therapy to help manage your tinnitus, including sound therapy, counselling, and relaxation techniques.

Balance Assessment

Our specialized balance testing can help assess the impact of Ménière's disease on your vestibular system.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

We can help improve your balance through targeted exercises and rehabilitation programs tailored to your needs.

Ongoing Support

We provide continued monitoring and support to help you manage your condition and maintain quality of life.

Counselling and Advice

We offer guidance on lifestyle changes, coping strategies, and can connect you with support networks.

If you're experiencing symptoms of Ménière's disease or have been diagnosed and need ongoing support, we're here to help. Our experienced audiologists can provide the comprehensive assessment and management you need to live well with this condition.

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