Understanding Ménière’s Disease: When Your World Won’t Sit Still
Ménière’s disease is one of those inner ear conditions that can feel as mysterious as it is unsettling. For those who live with it, it’s not just about hearing loss — it’s the sudden spinning, the feeling of fullness in your ear, and the constant ringing that can really turn your world upside down.
At High Peak Hearing, we believe in raising awareness of complex hearing and balance conditions — and this one definitely deserves the spotlight.
So, what is Ménière’s disease?
Ménière’s is a chronic condition that affects the inner ear, specifically the part responsible for balance and hearing. It usually starts in one ear, and while it’s more common in adults aged 40 to 60, it can affect anyone.
Classic symptoms include:
Vertigo – sudden and severe attacks of dizziness, often lasting several hours
Tinnitus – ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds in the affected ear
Fluctuating hearing loss – typically low-frequency hearing is affected first
A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Symptoms can come and go, sometimes with long gaps between flare-ups — which can make it even more confusing to pin down.
What causes it?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to involve a build-up of fluid in the inner ear (endolymphatic hydrops), disrupting both hearing and balance. Genetics, viral infections, and autoimmune conditions may also play a role.
Can Ménière’s disease be cured?
There’s no cure — but there is help. And that’s where we come in.
We work closely with people managing Ménière’s to:
Monitor their hearing changes
Fit hearing aids designed to adapt to fluctuating hearing loss
Offer advice around balance management and referral to ENT or vestibular services if needed
Provide tinnitus support when that ringing won’t let up
Why see an audiologist?
Because managing Ménière’s well means understanding how it affects you. No two cases are the same, and treatment should be tailored to your hearing and lifestyle. If you're experiencing dizziness, hearing changes, or pressure in one ear — book a hearing assessment. We’ll carry out a full evaluation and guide you through the next steps.
