Meniere’s disease is a hearing disorder; its symptoms are tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss, and severe inner ear pressure that can come and go without warning. Meniere’s disease affects men and women about equally; most sufferers are between age 40 and 60, although children may also be afflicted. Meniere’s cause remains unknown, although the disease seems related to over-production of fluid in the inner ear. It tends to affect only one ear, and its onset is often sparked by a head injury. While Meniere’s disease is not “preventable” in any direct medical sense, physicians believe that wearing a helmet (when bicycling, motorcycling, or playing sports) can safeguard you from the kinds of head injuries that typically precede Meniere’s.
How Meniere’s Disease Is Diagnosed
A diagnosis of Meniere’s disease requires a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Physicians may order imaging tests such as MRIs or CT scans to determine whether a brain-related condition is causing the symptoms.
Additional specialized tests may include:
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Electronystagmography (ENG): Measures eye movements to assess whether vertigo symptoms originate in the inner ear or the central nervous system.
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Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Test: Evaluates whether the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain is functioning properly.
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Hearing Tests: Used to determine the extent and pattern of hearing loss.
These evaluations help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes.
Treatment and Symptom Management
Meniere’s disease is both chronic and incurable, although several medications are prescribed to treat symptoms.
Common treatment approaches include:
- Diuretics can shrink inner ear fluid levels
- Antihistamines may function as vestibular suppressants to reduce stress on the inner ear.
- Lifestyle adjustments: caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and diets high in salt are to be avoided, as these may also cause stress or pressure to the inner ear.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits
Meniere’s disease attacks can be short-term or long-term. To receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for Meniere’s disease, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires medical tests that demonstrate a long-term hearing loss. You can expect to undergo prolonged observation and several reexaminations. An experienced disability attorney can help you in your effort to receive SSD benefits. A good disability lawyer will work with the doctors and other healthcare providers you’ll need as witnesses, and he or she will answer your questions and guide you through the application process. If you are victimized by Meniere’s disease, and you need to receive SSD benefits, speak immediately with an experienced disability attorney.