Ménière's disease, named after the French physician, Prosper Ménière, is a rare disorder that affects the inner ear. It is a difficult and unpredictable disease that can require different types of treatment.
Ménière's disease affects a part of the inner ear known as the labyrinth. The labyrinth is a system of tiny fluid-filled channels that send signals of sound and balance to the brain. Ménière's disease causes the fluid in the labyrinth to build up, disrupting both your balance and hearing.
Approximately one in 1,000 people develop Ménière's disease. The condition can occur at any age, but most commonly affects people who are between 20 and 60 years of age (it is very rare for children to develop it). About one in 10 people may have inherited the condition, although having a relative with Ménière's disease does not make you any more likely to develop it yourself.
Ménière's disease is a progressive condition, which means it will gradually get worse the longer you have it. The disease will normally begin by affecting one ear, but in 30% of cases symptoms will progress to both ears. Although hearing usually returns to normal after an attack, repeated pressure increases can cause serious damage to the hearing cells, which is why, in late-stage Ménière's disease, hearing loss is often permanent.
Attacks of Ménière's disease may be frequent, or occur only every few months. Sometimes, they can last for several minutes, while at other times they can last for as long as 24 hours. The length and severity of attacks cannot be predicted.
The precise cause of Ménière's disease is unknown. Research suggests that it could be triggered by a variety of factors, such as an infection or allergy. Treatment is focused on trying to ease and control the primary symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss.
