14
Patient Information
Figure 2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About
Ménière's Disease
Question Answer
What is Ménière's
Disease (MD)?
MD is an on-going inner ear disorder, diagnosed by
symptoms of two or more episodes of vertigo that last
between 20 min to 24 hours. Other symptoms you may have
along with vertigo include:
• Fluctuating hearing loss.
• Your ear feeling like it is full or plugged.
• Tinnitus; a ringing, buzzing or other noise in your ear.
e disorder is believed to be caused by too much fluid within
the inner ear.
What is vertigo? Vertigo makes you feel like you are spinning or moving when
you are still. It is caused when your vestibular system isn't
working properly. Vertigo can be due to non-vestibular causes.
What is the vestibular
system?
e vestibular system includes the inner ear and vestibular
pathways in the brain dedicated to balance, coordination, and
maintenance of posture.
What is tinnitus? Tinnitus is when you hear ringing, buzzing or other noises in
your ear, when there is nothing causing the noise. Tinnitus
sounds are different for each patient.
What is fluctuating
hearing loss?
is sensation can occur early in MD onset when the hearing
abruptly changes, alternating between worsening and
improving.
