Understanding Ménière’s disease: causes, symptoms & treatment

Ménière’s Disease is a long-term inner ear condition that can affect both balance and hearing. It often causes recurring episodes of dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear. Although there is currently no cure, many people successfully manage the condition and lead full, active lives with the right care and support.

At Leightons, we understand how disruptive these symptoms can be. Our experienced audiologists can help assess your hearing, and guide you towards the best support options to help you manage your symptoms confidently.

What is Ménière’s disease?

Ménière’s Disease is a chronic disorder of the inner ear that affects the labyrinth - the part of the ear responsible for both hearing and balance. The condition causes a build-up of fluid (known as endolymph) inside the inner ear, which disrupts the signals sent between the ear and the brain.

This disruption can lead to episodes of dizziness (vertigo), hearing loss, sensation of ear fullness or pressure, and tinnitus. It usually affects one ear at first but can develop in both over time. The frequency and intensity of attacks can vary greatly from person to person.

What causes Ménière’s disease?

The exact cause of Ménière’s Disease isn’t fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to abnormal fluid build-up in the inner ear. Factors that may contribute include:

  • Viral infections or inflammation of the inner ear
  • Autoimmune responses, where the immune system attacks the inner ear
  • Allergies or sensitivity to certain foods
  • Poor circulation or fluid regulation issues
  • Genetic factors or family history

Lifestyle factors such as stress, salt intake, and caffeine may trigger or worsen symptoms in some people.

Common symptoms of Ménière’s disease

Ménière’s Disease is characterised by four main symptoms, which can vary in intensity and duration:

  1. Vertigo - a spinning or swaying sensation that can last from minutes to hours.
  2. Hearing loss - usually in one ear, often fluctuating in the early stages.
  3. Tinnitus - ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds inside the affected ear.
  4. A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear before or during an episode.

Other symptoms can include nausea, imbalance, and fatigue following a vertigo attack. Over time, some people may experience more permanent hearing changes.

Living with Ménière’s disease

Living with Ménière’s can be challenging, but there are ways to manage symptoms and reduce their impact:

  • Identify and avoid triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and high-salt foods.
  • Manage stress, as anxiety can sometimes make symptoms worse.
  • Stay hydrated and eat regular, balanced meals.
  • Use balance and vestibular rehabilitation exercises to help recovery after dizzy spells.
  • Keep a symptom diary to help track triggers or patterns.

With professional guidance and ongoing monitoring, many people find that symptoms become more predictable and manageable over time.

How is Ménière’s disease diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis is usually made by an ENT specialist, based on your medical history, symptoms, and hearing test results. Treatment focuses on reducing the severity and frequency of attacks rather than curing the condition. This may include:

  • Medication to relieve vertigo, nausea, or inflammation.
  • Dietary changes, such as reducing salt, caffeine, and alcohol intake.
  • Balance therapy or physiotherapy to help the brain adjust to changes in balance.
  • Hearing aids and tinnitus management to address hearing loss and ringing in the ears.
  • Surgical treatments in severe or persistent cases (less common).

While Ménière’s Disease is a long-term condition, most people find that with the right care and lifestyle adjustments, their symptoms can be successfully managed.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, we offer free hearing assessments and ear health checks to help monitor your ear and hearing health over time. Our audiologists can:

  • Test your hearing to identify any changes linked to Ménière’s Disease.
  • Provide advice on tinnitus management and hearing aid options.
  • Work closely with ENT specialists to support your ongoing care.

We’re here to help you understand your condition, protect your hearing, and feel more confident in managing your symptoms.

Book your free hearing assessment today and take the next step towards balanced, comfortable hearing.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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