What is Meniere’s Syndrome?

Meniere’s Syndrome is usually characterized by four symptoms:

• Episodes of vertigo or dizziness
• Fluctuating, progressive, low-frequency hearing loss
• Tinnitus ("ringing" in the ears)
• A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear

The inner ear is designed with a series of canals. These canals separate important fluids, like endolymph and perilymph, and keep them from mixing. However, when these fluids do mix, as would occur if there is a rupture in these canals, the microscopic hair cells in the inner ear stiffen, or the hair cells can become bent or broken. These tiny hair cells play a major role in hearing and maintaining balance.

When they're healthy, these hair cells move in relation to the pressure of sound waves that come into the ear. The movement triggers a message to the brain to interpret these signals as sound. However, when these delicate hair cells are compromised, they move randomly in a constant state of irritation. They will then send electrical impulses to the brain even if there is no sound wave present, which is interpreted as noise, even when there is no actual noise present externally.

Right now, no one is completely sure how a canal rupture occurs, however, damage to the hairs and canals of the inner ear can be caused by:

• Age-related hearing loss:. This process, called presbycusis, usually begins around age 60.
• Trauma: Often a result of excessive exposure to loud noise over a long period of time. Chain saws and other loud machinery, loud music and weapons are common sources of noise-related hearing loss.
• Wax build-up
• Ear/sinus infections
• Cardiovascular disease

Other researchers believe that Meniere’s Syndrome is a distortion of the microcirculation of the labyrinth (the canals in the inner ear), caused by the excess production of histadine decarboxylase, which is a neurotransmitter enzyme.

Once the hair cells’ flexibility is reduced, an individual can experience symptoms of Meniere’s Syndrome such as the sensation of ear ringing or other noises, lose hearing and experience loss of balance (vertigo).

Research to find the cause is still going on. Scientists are currently studying various environmental and biological factors.

For information about how to help manage the symptoms of Meniere’s Syndrome, click here