What should you know about Meniere's disease and ENT care?

The inner ear helps control both hearing and balance. In Meniere's disease, changes in the fluid environment of the inner ear can disturb these functions. Symptoms may come in episodes, with quieter periods between them. Hearing changes may affect one ear, and sounds can seem muffled or unusually loud. An ENT assessment can help compare hearing in each ear and consider other explanations for dizziness or ear symptoms.

Keep a record of when attacks begin, how long they last, what you were doing, and whether ringing or hearing changes occur at the same time. Sit or lie somewhere safe during vertigo and avoid driving, heights or machinery until your balance has returned. Arrange a GP or ENT assessment for repeated episodes, new hearing loss or persistent ringing. A hearing test is often useful because it documents the pattern of hearing change.

Seek urgent medical help for dizziness with facial weakness, trouble speaking, fainting, severe new headache, chest pain, or weakness or numbness on one side. Sudden hearing loss also needs prompt assessment. During a severe attack, protect yourself from falls and ask someone to stay nearby.

Ask whether the symptom pattern fits Meniere's disease, which tests are appropriate, how to manage an attack safely, and which changes should trigger urgent review.