Updated: 10/4/23
Are you living with Meniere’s disease and struggling to find relief? Feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and hopeless as the balance-impairing symptoms of this disorder take over your life? Don’t give up hope. With the right lifestyle changes and treatment options, it is possible to manage your Meniere’s and reclaim control of your day-to-day functions – allowing you to live a normal life again. In today’s blog we discuss potential natural remedies that may help reduce the severity of Meniere’s symptoms so that you can finally start feeling better!
What Is Meniere’s Disease?
Meniere’s disease is a condition that affects the inner ear, the area responsible for balance and hearing. The condition usually affects just one ear. Symptoms include pressure or pain in the ear, intense vertigo or dizziness, a constant roaring or ringing in the ears and hearing loss. This condition could also lead to hearing problems later in life.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 615,000 people in the United States suffer from Meniere’s disease. In addition, doctors diagnose about 45,000 people each year. Although this condition can impact anyone of any age, it is much more likely to affect individuals in their 40s and 50s. Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition and there is currently no way to fully cure it. However, there are multiple treatment options that may help relieve symptoms.
How Does Meniere’s Disease Start?
One of the hallmark symptoms of Meniere’s disease is tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. This can be a constant or intermittent ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sound. Other symptoms may include a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, temporary hearing loss, and balance problems. In some cases, nausea and vomiting may also be present during vertigo episodes.
Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease
It is important to note that symptoms can vary per patient. Usually, patients experience sudden attacks that last for a few hours. Some patients may experience attacks on a weekly, monthly or even yearly basis.
Vertigo
This condition is one of the most common and most noticeable symptoms. During an episode of vertigo, patients feel like the environment around them is spinning. It causes patients to feel dizzy, sick and have difficulty balancing. Some patients also suffer from “drop attacks” and they completely lose their balance and drop to the ground.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition that causes patients to hear sounds that are not caused by any outside source. Instead, the sound comes from inside the body. Patients hear ringing, buzzing, hissing or whistling sounds in the ears.
Patients with Meniere’s disease may also feel pressure in the ear and may suffer from hearing loss, specifically with low, deep sounds.
Stages of Meniere’s disease
Meniere’s disease usually occurs in three stages that reflect the condition’s progression rate. However, like the symptoms, the progression rate may vary. Not all patients experience all stages and the severity also is not uniform for all patients. Most patients experience sudden attacks within the first couple of years, but as the attacks begin to occur less frequently, the patient’s hearing often declines. There are a few warning signs for an attack and the patient should try to move to a safe and comfortable place to avoid injury. Before an attack, the patient often experiences the following symptom:
- Loss of balance
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Increased ear pressure
- Headaches
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
- Sensitivity to sound
- Uneasiness
Early Stage, aka Low-Severity
This stage causes immediate and sometimes random episodes of vertigo. It may also cause nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Some patients also experience hearing loss and tinnitus simultaneously. The patient may feel pressure or blockage in the ear and others may be extremely sensitive to sound. Sometimes vertigo attacks can last for an entire day, but they usually last for two to three hours and the patient’s hearing usually returns after it is over.
Middle Stage, aka Moderate-Severity
In the middle stage, the patient experiences continuous vertigo attacks that often become more severe. Hearing loss and tinnitus may also worsen in this stage. Patients also tend to experience periods of remission where the symptoms temporarily decline. This phase could last for several months.
Late stage, aka High-Severity
In late stages of Meniere’s disease, episodes of vertigo occur less frequently with months or even years between them. In some cases, the episodes stop completely. However, the patient still experiences ongoing issues with hearing and tinnitus. In fact, these symptoms often progress and get worse. This stage is generally characterized by severe and constant vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Symptoms in this stage can be incredibly debilitating, and the individual may start to experience episodes of drop attacks. It is essential to get professional assistance immediately to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Can Meniere’s Disease Go Away?
The answer to this question is complicated. While it is possible for some individuals to experience a remission of symptoms, Meniere’s disease is typically a lifelong condition. Most individuals will experience recurring symptoms throughout their lifetime. However, symptoms can be managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.
Causes of Meniere’s Disease
Currently, researchers have not identified the exact cause of Meniere’s disease. However, medical professionals believe it results from pressure buildup in the inner ear.
Genetics
Researchers believe that genetics play a prominent role in the development of Meniere’s disease. Inherited abnormalities of certain genes may cause the disease, leading to the loss of control over ion balance in the inner ear, eventually contributing to vertigo and other symptoms.
Abnormal Fluid Levels in the Ear
The inner ear is responsible for maintaining balance and hearing. One of the causes of Meniere’s disease is related to the abnormal amount of fluid present in this area. When there is an excess of fluid, it can result in an abnormal buildup of pressure that affects the hearing and balance systems. This pressure can lead to the symptoms of Meniere’s disease, causing vertigo, hearing difficulties, and tinnitus.
Allergies
Allergies are thought to contribute to the development of Meniere’s disease. Some common allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander, and certain food additives may affect the inner ear, resulting in inflammation of the delicate balance organs.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can also increase the risk of developing Meniere’s disease. People who experience trauma to the head may develop endolymphatic hydrops, a condition where the excess fluid accumulates in the inner ear, leading to symptoms of hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders are another potential cause of Meniere’s disease. Studies have shown that autoimmune conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with the development of Meniere’s disease symptoms.
Stress
Stress can be a trigger for Meniere’s disease symptoms, particularly vertigo. It is known to cause changes in blood pressure, which can contribute to the onset of vertigo and prevent adequate blood flow to the inner ear.
Risk Factors for Meniere’s Disease
Even though medical researchers have not identified a specific cause for Meniere’s disease, there are certain factors that may increase the risk of developing it. For example, if a patient suffers from an immune condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells, they may contract Meniere’s disease. Patients may have a chemical imbalance in the fluid in the inner ear, as a result of too much sodium or potassium in the body. It may also be related to genetics, a problem with the blood vessels or certain viral infections, such as meningitis.
Treatment for Meniere’s Disease
At the moment, Meniere’s disease does not have a definite cure, but there are multiple treatment options that may be able to alleviate symptoms and slow down its progression.
Medications
Dizziness is often the most debilitating symptom that patients experience with Meniere’s disease. However, medications may be useful in combating it. Medications like diazepam, lorazepam, meclizine and glycopyrrolate may help relieve dizziness and reduce the length of an attack.
Genetics and Family History
Another cause of Meniere’s disease can be linked to genetics. There is evidence to suggest that Meniere’s disease can run in families, and an individual could potentially inherit the gene responsible for the condition. This type of Meniere’s disease is known as familial Meniere’s disease and is relatively rare.
Migraines
Migraines can also cause Meniere’s disease-like symptoms. Individuals who suffer from migraines often experience vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing problems. Sometimes, these symptoms can be so severe that they can meet the diagnostic criteria for Meniere’s disease. However, the underlying cause is different in these cases and is usually linked to the inner ear, blood flow, and pressure.
Consider Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants
For people with hearing loss due to Meniere’s disease, hearing aids or cochlear implants can be a great option. These devices can help you hear better and improve your quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider or audiologist to see if hearing aids or cochlear implants are a good option for you.
Cognitive Therapy
This form of therapy helps patients focus on how they interpret and react to different experiences in their everyday lives. Some people use cognitive therapy to better cope with the unexpected attacks and reduce anxiety about future ones.
Diuretics
Using water pills called diuretics can help patients control dizziness by reducing fluid retention in the body. This may help lower fluid volume and pressure in the inner ear.
Reduce Your Salt Intake
One of the most effective ways to manage Meniere’s disease is to reduce your salt intake. Salt can cause fluid retention in the body, which can exacerbate the symptoms of Meniere’s disease. The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium a day, and ideally, no more than 1,500 mg a day for most adults. To reduce your salt intake, read food labels carefully, avoid processed foods, and use herbs and spices to flavor your food instead.
Surgery
Doctors recommend surgery if other forms of treatment fail to relieve the symptoms. Endolymphatic sac decompression and vestibular nerve section are two options of surgical interventions. During the procedure, the surgeon may operate on the endolymphatic sac to compress it or cut into the vestibular nerve. However, the latter is not very common.
Dietary Changes
Behavioral and dietary changes may also help patients control their symptoms. Specifically, some patients discover that caffeine, alcohol and chocolate may trigger the symptoms and try to avoid them to control it. Also, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can help improve the circulation of blood through the ear. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help to relieve stress, which can contribute to the severity of Meniere’s disease symptoms.
Injections
Doctors may inject an antibiotic called gentamicin into the middle ear to help control vertigo. However, the injections may also increase the risk of hearing loss because it can damage the microscopic hair cells in the inner ear that help with hearing. Some doctors opt for of corticosteroid injections instead, since it does not pose the same threat to the patient’s hearing.
Pressure Pulse Treatment
Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pressure pulse treatment uses a small device that fits into the outer ear. The device emits an intermittent air pressure pulse to the middle ear, which helps relieve endolymph fluid pressure to prevent dizziness.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another approach to treating Meniere’s disease. You can work with physical therapists can work with you to develop head maneuvers that can reduce the severity of vertigo attacks. A physical therapist can also help to improve balance and reduce pressure on the inner ear through positioning, balance exercises, and posture training.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy can help manage Meniere’s symptoms is by addressing the psychological impact of the condition. Those with Meniere’s disease often experience feelings of isolation, depression, and frustration due to the unpredictable nature of their symptoms. Hypnotherapy can help patients address these emotions and develop coping strategies that can help them better manage their symptoms. For example, hypnotherapy can teach patients relaxation techniques they can use during vertigo attacks to help lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Living with Meniere’s Disease
Behavioral Adaptations
Living with Meniere’s disease can be very difficult and frustrating. Fear and anxiety over suffering from an attack often interferes with patients’ everyday lives. Because the attacks are often so unpredictable, patients may need to avoid certain tasks or activities, such as swimming, climbing ladders, operating heavy machinery and even driving. Patients may also need to have someone with them in case of an attack.
Dietary Adaptations
According to research, there are also some dietary changes that may reduce fluid retention in the body. In general, if the body retains less fluid, these types of symptoms are less frequent and less severe. Eating certain foods can help the body retain less fluid and reduce symptoms.
Patients should eat smaller meals more frequently. Practice portion control by evenly distributing food and drinks throughout the day to regulate bodily fluids. Try substituting three large meals for six smaller ones. Cut back on salt. The less salt a person consumes, the less fluid the body retains. Practice gradually and progressively decreasing salt intake and eventually eliminate it completely. Patients should also make sure to drink enough water and reduce alcohol intake because it can affect fluid volume in the inner ears.
Exercises for Meniere’s Disease
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can help improve balance and reduce stress, making it an excellent choice for people with Meniere’s disease. It involves slow, deliberate movements that can help improve your body’s overall balance and coordination. Additionally, the meditative aspect of Tai Chi can help reduce stress, which can be a major trigger for Meniere’s symptoms.
Yoga
Like Tai Chi, yoga is a low-impact exercise that can improve balance and reduce stress. Yoga involves a series of postures and breathing exercises that can help strengthen the body and calm the mind. Additionally, certain yoga poses can help improve circulation to the inner ear, which can help alleviate symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
Walking
Walking is a simple but effective form of exercise that can help improve balance and reduce stress. It is low-impact, making it an excellent choice for people with Meniere’s disease who may not be able to participate in more strenuous activities. Walking can also be done anywhere and at any time, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help improve balance and strengthen the body. It involves a full-body workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and overall strength. Additionally, the buoyancy of the water can help relieve pressure on the joints, making it an excellent choice for people with Meniere’s disease who may have joint pain.
Strength Training
Strength training can help improve overall strength and balance, which can help reduce the severity of Meniere’s symptoms. It can be done with weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises. It’s essential to start slowly and make sure you are using proper form to avoid injury.
Supplements for Meniere’s Disease
Pine Bark Extract
Pine bark extract comes from the Pinus pinaster tree that grows in Europe. Ever since the fourth century, pine bark has been used for medicinal purposes, particularly reducing inflammation. Research states that it helps promote inner ear health by reducing symptoms of ear poisoning, which occurs from chemical or drug exposure that can cause damage to the inner ear. This supplement is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body combat radical damage. It promotes healthy levels of vitamin C and vitamin E and reduces inflammation. The recommended dosage for pine bark extract supplements is 250 mg per day, with a physician’s approval.
Fish Oil
Fish oil has omega-3 fatty acids that help promote heart health, reducing the risk of heart attack and heart disease. According to research, fish oils may also help protect hearing. Specifically, when patients paired it with flaxseed oil, it helped prevent earwax buildup. This supplement is also a bioavailable source of omega-3 fatty acids. The recommended dose for fish oil softgels is one to two capsules two to three times per day, or following a doctor’s instructions.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a popular supplement for many health concerns, including ear health. It helps dilate the blood vessels in the inner ear, which can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of hearing damage. Additionally, magnesium can help reduce tinnitus and vertigo caused by Meniere’s disease. You can find magnesium supplements at your local health store or online at Bulksupplements.com.
Ginkgo Biloba
The Ginkgo Biloba supplement is widely known for its incredible blood circulation benefits. A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that Gingko Biloba can help improve hearing loss in seniors. It is available in many forms, including capsules, tablets, and tea.
Zinc
Even though it is the second most abundant mineral in the human body, humans cannot produce zinc naturally. Instead, people need zinc from dietary sources or supplements. It helps with immune system and cardiovascular system function and also enhances vision and skin health. Because of its immune defense abilities, it can even help prevent ear infections, enhancing ear health. Research suggests it may even help patients manage tinnitus.
This mineral promotes digestive, reproductive and immune health. It’s also an essential component in toothpaste that helps keep gums healthy. The recommended dose for zinc gluconate powder is 225 to 450 mg per day, unless a physician advises a different dosage.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. It has a couple of different names, including methylcobalamin—the natural form—and cyanocobalamin—the synthetic form. Vitamin B12 deficiency may result in a condition called megaloblastic anemia, which can affect balance, a symptom of Meniere’s disease. Research also states that vitamin B12 may be an effective tool to help reduce symptoms of tinnitus. However, medical researchers did not conclude that it. As a dietary supplement, the recommended serving size for vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) powder is 100 to 200 mg once a day, after consulting a doctor.
Bilberry Extract
Bilberry is a shrub related to blueberry and cranberry. It contains antioxidants, which researchers believe help promote cardiovascular and circulatory health. In the past, people also used it to relieve diarrhea, burns and infections. In studies, medical researchers also tested its ability to reduce symptoms of ear poisoning. The researchers concluded that treatment with bilberry extract significantly protected the ear from toxicity and may effectively help prevent the condition. The recommended dose for bilberry extract powder is 400 mg once or twice a day with food, or following a doctor’s instructions.
Ginseng Root
Ginseng root originates in China and originally, people used it as a source of food. But eventually people discovered its medicinal properties. Several natural products around the world contain ginseng and it has become one of the most popular supplements, along with garlic and ginkgo biloba. It helps control inflammation in the body and may even help reduce the risk of cancer. It may also help aid male reproductive health, menopause, energy, focus and immune health and cardiovascular health. Studies also state that ginseng may improve symptoms of tinnitus and combat inner ear cell damage. The recommended dose for American ginseng extract powder is 1,000 to 2,000 mg up to two times a day, with a doctor’s permission.
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is a natural compound derived from the periwinkle plant, which has been studied for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a well-known nootropic and has been used for its cognitive-boosting abilities. However, research also indicates that Vinpocetine can also help with Meniere’s disease by improving blood flow to the ear, supporting inner ear functions, and reducing inflammation.
The Bottom Line
Meniere’s disease has a complex array of symptoms, including ringing or buzzing in the ears, pressure in the ears and hearing loss. Patients may also experience headaches, loss of balance and loss of hearing. Meniere’s disease develops from fluid buildup in the inner ear. Medical researchers do not know exactly what causes the fluid to build up, but there are several risk factors, such as a chemical imbalance, genetics and even certain viral infections.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms with medication, diuretics and surgery. Patients may also undergo cognitive therapy to cope with the condition because it may trigger stress, fear and anxiety. Attacks can be very frequent and they may interfere with a patient’s daily life and impact how they function, possibly causing emotional distress. Coping with Meniere’s disease may require lifestyle changes and avoiding certain foods or activities that may trigger the attacks or make the symptoms worse.
While there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, incorporating supplements into your treatment plan may help alleviate the symptoms and improve your quality of life. It’s essential to work closely with your doctor to determine the right supplements and dosages to address your unique condition. Additionally, supplements should not be used as a replacement for prescribed medication, and it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise for optimal health. With proper care and management, Meniere’s patients can maintain a high quality of life and enjoy daily activities without being hindered by their condition.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease