How common is ringing in the ears in Meniere's disease?

It may come with episodes of spinning dizziness, ear pressure and fluctuating hearing, often affecting one ear.

Meniere's disease affects the inner ear, which contributes to hearing and balance. Changes in inner-ear fluid pressure or signalling can produce ringing, fullness, hearing fluctuation and vertigo. Symptoms may arrive in episodes, with quieter periods between them.

Ringing by itself does not confirm Meniere's disease. An assessment may include a careful symptom history, ear examination and hearing test. The clinician may also consider migraine, wax, medicine effects and other inner-ear conditions.

When vertigo starts, sit or lie in a safe place, keep your head still and avoid driving or heights. Reduce fall hazards at home and ask for help with walking if your balance is poor. Record the timing, duration, ear affected, hearing changes and possible triggers.

Book review for recurring ringing, pressure, hearing change or vertigo. Discuss medicines, salt and fluid habits or other measures with a clinician rather than making major changes on your own.

Get emergency help for new facial weakness, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting or a severe unusual headache. Seek urgent assessment for sudden hearing loss, a severe prolonged episode, repeated falls or inability to keep fluids down.

Ask whether hearing and balance tests are appropriate, how to distinguish Meniere's disease from other causes, which medicines or lifestyle measures fit your health, and what to do during a prolonged episode.