Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and hearing loss. It is due to a build-up of fluid in the labyrinth, which contains the organs of balance and hearing.
Usually, only one ear is affected, but both can become involved. Attacks typically come on suddenly and may last from minutes to days before subsiding.
Symptoms include vertigo, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, impaired hearing, and a feeling of pressure or pain in the ear.
The time between attacks may vary from days to years, and repeated attacks often lead to progressive hearing loss or sometimes total deafness.
Treatment is primarily with medication to relieve symptoms, but in some cases drugs may be given to help reduce the frequency of attacks. If medication is ineffective, surgery may be an option.