What causes Meniere's disease?

The inner ear contains fluid systems involved in hearing and balance. In Meniere's disease, changes in the amount or pressure of this fluid may disrupt those systems, producing attacks of vertigo, ringing, ear fullness, and fluctuating hearing. The exact reason fluid regulation changes differs or remains unclear in many people.

Possible contributors can include inherited susceptibility, a previous inner-ear injury, immune-related inflammation, migraine-related sensitivity, or another ear problem. These are possibilities rather than a diagnosis from symptoms alone. A hearing test and clinical history help separate Meniere's disease from other causes of dizziness or hearing change.

Write down when attacks occur, which ear feels affected, how hearing changes, and whether ringing or fullness accompanies the episode. Share the record with a GP. Assessment may include an ear examination and hearing test, with referral when the pattern needs specialist review. Avoid driving, heights, or machinery during active vertigo, and take prescribed medicines as directed.

Seek urgent care for sudden hearing loss, new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, fainting, a severe new headache, or severe imbalance with neurological symptoms. Prompt assessment is also needed when vomiting prevents drinking or symptoms are suddenly unlike previous episodes. These signs should not be explained away as Meniere's disease.

Ask what findings support the diagnosis, what other conditions have been considered, whether both ears need testing, and how changes in hearing or balance should be monitored over time.