# What is Meniere's disease? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-howa-marad-meniere Language: en Category: ent Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.367Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.367Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-howa-marad-meniere Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that leads to a set of troubling symptoms, including severe vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion inside the affected ear [\[1\]](). The disease typically affects one ear, but in approximately 15% to 25% of cases, both ears may be affected [\[1\]](). Vertigo episodes vary in severity and duration and may occur suddenly or after a short period of tinnitus or hearing impairment. Some individuals may experience sporadic episodes separated by long intervals, while others may face multiple, frequent episodes over several days. In some severe cases, vertigo can lead to loss of balance and sudden falls, conditions known as "drop attacks" [\[1\]](). Although Meniere's disease can affect anyone at any age, it is most common in adults aged 40 to 60, and it rarely affects children under 18 [\[1\]](). ## What causes Meniere's disease? The exact cause of Meniere's disease is not yet fully understood, but symptoms are linked to an imbalance of fluids within a part of the inner ear called the "vestibule" [\[1\]](). The vestibule is a complex system containing the organs of hearing and balance, consisting of structures filled with fluid called "endolymph" [\[1\]](). When an excess of this fluid accumulates (a condition known as endolymphatic hydrops), it disrupts the normal balance and hearing signals between the inner ear and the brain, leading to the symptoms of Meniere's disease [\[1\]](). There are several theories about the potential causes of this fluid buildup, including blood vessel constriction (as occurs in migraines), viral infections, allergies, and autoimmune reactions. Genetic factors may also play a role, as the disease can affect more than one family member [\[1\]](). ## How is Meniere's disease diagnosed? Meniere's disease is typically diagnosed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist [\[1\]](). There is no single definitive test to diagnose the condition; rather, the diagnosis is based on the patient's medical history and a specific set of symptoms [\[1\]](). To confirm the diagnosis, the following criteria must be met: - Two or more spontaneous episodes of vertigo, each lasting from 20 minutes to 12 hours [\[1\]](). - Hearing loss in one or both ears, particularly at low and mid-frequencies, documented by a hearing test before, during, or after a vertigo episode [\[1\]](). - Auditory-related symptoms occurring irregularly, such as tinnitus, hearing loss, or a feeling of fullness in the affected ear [\[1\]](). - The absence of any other known condition that accounts for these balance-related symptoms [\[1\]](). The doctor may also recommend hearing tests to identify any hearing loss, and imaging scans of the brain, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be performed to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms [\[1\]](). ## Managing and living with Meniere's disease There is currently no cure for Meniere's disease, but various options are available to manage and control the symptoms [\[1\]](). Given the variability of symptoms between individuals, your doctor may recommend a customized treatment plan, which may include: - **Dietary and behavioral changes:** Limiting dietary salt intake to 1500-2000 milligrams per day and taking diuretics can help control symptoms. Quitting smoking may also reduce symptom severity [\[1\]](). - **Medications:** Prescribed medications are used to help relieve vertigo and shorten the duration of episodes, especially when taken early after the onset of vertigo [\[1\]](). - **Physical therapy and vestibular rehabilitation:** If you suffer from chronic balance problems, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or vestibular rehabilitation to help you adapt to the symptoms and reduce the risk of falling [\[2\]](). - **Injections:** Antibiotic injections (gentamicin) into the middle ear can help control vertigo but carry a significant risk of hearing damage. Corticosteroid injections are an alternative that reduces vertigo with minimal risk to hearing [\[1\]](). - **Surgery:** Surgery may be an option in cases where all other treatments fail to alleviate vertigo [\[1\]](). If you suffer from hearing loss associated with Meniere's disease, it is beneficial to discuss hearing aid options with your doctor. It is also important to inform your doctor about any alternative treatments you are using, as they may affect the effectiveness or safety of conventional medications [\[1\]](). For more information on managing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss episodes, you can visit [Meniere's disease: Managing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss episodes (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Ménière's Disease]() - [Balance Tests]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-howa-marad-meniere#answer