Cochlear Meniere's Disease

Cochlear Meniere's disease is a chronic inner ear condition that affects one's hearing. The disorder was named for the French physician who first described the syndrome in 1861, Prosper Meniere, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The NIDCD estimates there are approximately 615,000 diagnosed cases of Meniere's disease in the United States currently, with 45,000 new cases each year.

Cause

• While the precise cause of Meniere's disease is not known, doctors believe that excess fluid in the ear leads to the symptoms of this chronic inner ear condition. The inner ear contains a cluster of passages known as the labyrinth. The labyrinth contains a fluid that sends signals to the brain in regards to movements of the body. It is very important for this fluid to maintain a particular volume, pressure and chemical makeup. Meniere's disease can occur when the fluid is altered in any way, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Types

• Symptoms of Meniere's disease may vary based on whether the fluid disturbance originates in the semicircular canals of the inner ear or in the cochlea. The cochlea is a snail-shaped organ located in the inner ear that is responsible for converting vibrations to sound. Cochlear Meniere's disease involves fluid imbalance that affects the cochlea and results in hearing loss. Current thinking in the medical community holds that most patients with cochlear Meniere's disease will eventually develop the full syndrome, which encompasses the entire inner ear and leads to additional symptoms, according to Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Symptoms

• The primary symptom of cochlear Meniere's disease is hearing loss, which may fluctuate in the early stages of the condition and become permanent later on. Other symptoms of full-scale Meniere's disease include recurring episodes of vertigo, tinnitis or pressure in the inner ear. Tinnitis is characterized by a ringing or roaring sensation in the ear. Symptoms of this chronic inner ear condition vary in terms of frequency, duration and intensity, according to the NIDCD. It typically occurs in just one ear, but a small number of patients are affected in both ears.

Diagnosis

• If you have experienced any of these symptoms, your doctor may suspect cochlear Meniere's disease. The diagnostic process may include a complete medical exam, hearing test and balance assessment, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor may also order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as a tumor or other medical condition. Once a diagnosis of Meniere's disease is made, you and your doctor can discuss treatment options.

Treatment

• There is no cure for cochlear Meniere's disease at this time. Treatments are focused on controlling symptoms and reducing the frequency of episodes. Prevention may include alterations in diet to reduce body fluids, such as switching to a low-salt diet or eliminating caffeine and alcohol. Medications are often used to control symptoms after they begin. The Mayo Clinic lists motion sickness medicines to reduce vertigo and anti-nausea drugs for the nausea and vomiting caused by the vertigo. Patients who do not respond well to diet alterations or medications may consider surgical options for this chronic inner ear condition. However, the NIDCD cites risks like hearing loss with some surgical procedures.