Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s syndrome is a debilitating hearing and balance disorder with no known cause. It is commonly referred to as Ménière’s disease. Despite several treatment options, those with Ménière’s disease experience a reduced quality of life, and there is no cure for the gradual decline of hearing and balance in their affected ear(s). The incidence is reported to be 0.1–0.5% of the population, although this is biased by ethnic factors as it predominantly occurs in Caucasians. The average age of onset is 40–50 years, but the distribution is broad and children younger than 15 years are frequently diagnosed. Ménière’s disease accounts for approximately ¼ of peripheral vestibular disorders observed clinically or close to 10% of all patients experiencing some form of dizziness. This entry provides an ...