The AudioNotch Tinnitus Treatment Blog

Please note: the following information does not constitute professional medical advice, and is provided for general informational purposes only. Please speak to your doctor if you have tinnitus.

Thousands of people are diagnosed with Meniere’s disease each year. Meniere’s often impacts middle-aged adults, but the disease can be present in people of all ages. Since all of the symptoms may not be present in every patient, it can be challenging for doctors to diagnose this disorder.

Disease Background
Meniere’s disease can be difficult to understand, but scientists have made amazing progress in researching the illness. This disease was initially discovered after a correlation between vertigo and the middle ear was discovered. Research then began to show that problems in the middle ear were related to Meniere’s disease, which includes a variety of symptoms. People suffering from Meniere’s disease often experience a variety of symptoms, including the following:

• ringing sensations
• loss of hearing
• feeling pressure

The symptoms usually are felt in just one ear, but it is possible for them to be felt in both ears. Since the hearing loss becomes worse over time, it is important to find a cure as soon as possible. Millions of people in the United States struggle with Meniere’s disease, and researchers have been able to determine important information that can hopefully lead to a cure.

Research Progress
The causes of Meniere’s disease have puzzled scientists since the disease was discovered. University of Colorado menieres researchers, however, have recently determined a link between the disease and decreased blood flow to the brain. Recognizing this correlation means that doctors will be able to identify patients who are likely to develop the disease, which means the disease can potentially be stopped.

Decreased Blood Flow
There are several causes for the decreased blood flow that is now believed to contribute to the development of Meniere’s disease. The University of Colorado menieres researchers concluded that certain factors play a role in reducing the blood flow to the brain, which combines with a malformation in the inner ear that leads to the gathering of excess fluid. The risk factors leading to a reduction in blood flow include:

• sleep apnea
• migraines
• smoking

Treatment Changes
The discovery of the correlation between risk factors and Meniere’s disease onset is important because it means that doctors can screen patients more effectively. Healthcare teams will be able to better identify patients who are at risk of developing Meniere’s. Patients who have risk factors can be treated earlier, which means that the onset of the disease can hopefully be delayed or prevented. The results determined from the University of Colorado menieres study may lead to better outcomes for millions of patients.