Alternative Medicine and Menieres Disease

Meniere's disease is characterized by hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus and pressure in the middle ear. Although Meniere's disease has no known cure, a variety of medical and alternative treatments can treat the symptoms. Some patients do not respond to any treatments, but most of the alternative and holistic treatment methods will at least not cause harm.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Dietary and lifestyle changes are the first alternative treatment method most Meniere's patients try. Some patients report major symptom relief from altering their diets and making other changes. Since Meniere's disease is thought to be caused by excess inner ear fluid, implementing a low-sodium diet can help reduce fluid retention. Refraining from caffeine, nicotine and alcohol may also help reduce symptoms. A 1995 study published in "Ear Nose Throat Journal" showed that alcohol and caffeine impaired balance mechanisms in the inner ear in animals.

Herbs and Supplements

• Though there is no definitive medical evidence to support claims that herbs and other supplements help reduce Meniere's disease symptoms, many patients report a reduction in symptom frequency and/or severity. Some herbs and supplements can have unpleasant side effects or interactions with other medications, so check with a doctor before taking any new supplements. Ginkgo biloba, niacin, ginger root, valerian, bioflavonoids and lipoflavonoids have all provided symptom relief for some Meniere's patients.

Acupuncture and Chiropractic

• Acupuncture appears to be effective in treating Meniere's symptoms in some cases, though Dr. Timothy C. Hain reported that acupuncturists stated they could provide tinnitus relief in about 40 percent of cases, which is about the same as placebo. Chiropractic therapy has been used effectively in some Meniere's patients to relieve vertigo and other symptoms, though no scientific studies prove its effectiveness.

Devices

• Pressure pulse devices help relieve pressure and tinnitus in some Meniere's sufferers. Several different kinds of devices are available, though they all work similarly. A tube is inserted into an opening in the eardrum, and pulses of air pressure travel through the tube into the middle ear. Exactly why these devices help relieve symptoms in certain individuals is unknown, but it is thought that the air pressure affects the pressure of endolymphatic fluid in the ear.

Other Therapies

• Other alternative therapies to treat Meniere's symptoms, especially tinnitus, include tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and electrical stimulation. Some patients respond favorably to these treatments. While DBS and electrical stimulation focus on actually relieving tinnitus completely, TRT focuses on conditioning patients to the presence of their tinnitus to make it easier to handle.