Information on Bilateral Menieres Disease

Meniere's disease is a progressive disease that affects hearing and equilibrium. The majority of patients with Meniere's disease experience hearing loss in only one ear. If hearing loss is experienced in both ears, it is referred to as Bilateral Meniere's disease.

Symptoms

• Meniere's disease, in all forms, is characterized by vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and pressure in the ears. These symptoms are episodic in nature and vary in intensity.

Cause

• The cause of Meniere's disease is not known or idiopathic. As of 2009, the prevailing theory is that endolymph -- a fluid found in the inner ear -- builds up and causes damage to both the structure and function of the inner ear.

Diagnosis

• Meniere's is diagnosed, effectively, by excluding the other conditions that could cause the symptoms. Problems that resemble Meniere's can stem from metabolic problems, circulatory issues or nerve compression in the spine.

Treatments

• There is no cure for Meniere's, but treatments include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, medications to help the vertigo, and a reduced salt diet. Bilateral Meniere's patients are excluded from surgical treatment.

Statistics

• The Mayo Clinic reports that an estimated 615,000 people have Meniere's disease. Conservative estimates place the incidence of Bilateral Meniere's at about 15% of all cases, or around 92,000 people.