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Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease involves abnormalities in the inner ear that lead to hearing and balance problems. This condition usually occurs in only one ear and is most common among adults in their 40s and 50s. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, over 600,000 people in the US have Ménière’s disease.

Although the specific cause of Ménière’s disease is not known, it is believed to be a result of an abnormal volume or composition of fluid in the inner ear. This may occur after a rupture of the membranous labyrinth, a portion of the inner ear. Ménière’s disease causes recurring vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. These symptoms can vary greatly in severity, duration and frequency depending on each individual.

Ménière’s disease can be diagnosed by assessing your symptoms and ruling out other conditions. Your doctor may perform a series of tests such as a hearing test, balance assessment, MRI and complete physical examination. Patients must usually experience most or all of the symptoms in order to be diagnosed with Ménière’s disease.

Treatments for Ménière’s Disease

There are no specific tests or symptom that an ENT specialist looks for in order to diagnose Ménière’s disease. Before administering any treatment, Dr. Cohen will review you and your family’s medical history, and then check for the presence of:

  • Tinnitus
  • At least two episodes of vertigo – lasting more than 20 minutes each
  • A feeling of fullness in the ear
  • Temporary hearing loss

Although Ménière’s disease is chronic, Dr. Cohen can recommend various treatments (medications, antibiotic injections) and lifestyle changes (such as salt restriction and diuretics) to help ease the symptoms and force the disease into remission. Surgery may also be necessary to decompress the endolymphatic sac.

To request an appointment with Dr. Cohen, please call (818) 609-0600.