What to expect from a GP consultation for Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease can present with repeated spinning vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a blocked or pressured feeling in one ear. The GP may ask how long attacks last, how often they occur, which ear is affected, whether movement triggers them, and whether headache, weakness, fever, ear discharge, or medication changes are involved.

The examination may include looking in the ears, checking hearing informally, observing eye movements, testing balance, and checking neurological signs. The GP may arrange a formal hearing test or refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Other causes of dizziness need consideration because similar symptoms can arise from the inner ear, migraine, medicines, or the nervous system.

Keep a diary of attack timing, duration, hearing changes, tinnitus, food or illness triggers, falls, and medicines taken. Bring hearing-device details and previous ear or scan reports. During an attack, sit or lie somewhere safe and avoid driving, ladders, and machinery. The plan may include symptom relief, hearing support, monitoring, and specialist testing.

Seek emergency help for dizziness with sudden weakness, facial droop, trouble speaking, severe new headache, fainting, chest pain, or inability to walk safely. Get urgent assessment for sudden hearing loss, severe persistent vomiting, fever with severe headache, or a new ear injury.

Could my symptoms have another cause? Do I need a hearing test or specialist referral? What should I do during an attack, and which symptoms mean I should seek emergency care?