Persistent tinnitus, or a ringing in the ears, is normally accompanied by hearing loss. However, most of the time, it can also have its own set of causes. In the case of patients who are suffering with the symptoms of Meniere’s Disease, including a loss of balance and problems with hearing, tinnitus can be both very persistent and unpleasant to deal with. In the affected ear or both ears, tinnitus manifests itself as a ringing, humming, or even a roaring sound. It can be very disturbing and sometimes lead to pain in the ear.
Tinnitus and Meniere’s Disease:
Tinnitus is one of the main symptoms of Meniere’s Disease, and many patients with this condition will describe this symptom as sounding similar to the sound of escaping air in the ear, running water, a musical, sizzling or humming sound, hissing, whistling, roaring, or pulsating sounds, to name a few. Some patients will be able to hear their own heartbeat or pulse; this condition is known as pulsatile tinnitus. It is important to recognize that this sound comes from the inside of the ear and in most cases, only the patient is able to hear it.
Effect on Lifestyle:
Meniere’s Disease itself can have a troubling effect on a patient’s lifestyle, dealing with hearing loss and a tendency to lose balance and experience a spinning sensation can hinder a person’s ability to work, socialize, and more. When tinnitus manifests itself as a symptom of this condition, it can cause the Meniere’s Disease to have an even more significant impact. In many cases, patients with tinnitus report that they are unable to concentrate or focus, have difficulty resting or sleeping, or perhaps even suffer with headaches as a result of the constant sounds inside their head. In turn, it’s no surprise that many patients dealing with tinnitus can eventually develop depression or anxiety.
Treatment Options:
Although there is no direct treatment for Meniere’s Disease, there are various treatment options which can help you to control the symptoms. Medication can be given to help you manage symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and vomiting, whilst masking devices, acupuncture, and holistic therapies have been known to have a positive effect on tinnitus. If the tinnitus from Meniere’s Disease is affecting your lifestyle, counseling can be sought to better understand the condition and develop healthy coping strategies.
Get in touch with our NYC tinnitus clinic today to see how we can help you!