About Meniere’s Disease

Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder that is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, progressive hearing loss and inner ear pressure. French physician Prosper Ménière first identified the condition during the mid-1800s. The disease typically affects one ear but in some rare cases, both ears become be involved. Meniere’s disease can surface at any age but most commonly develops after the age of 40.

The cause of Meniere’s disease is currently unknown but research has shown the disease seems to stem from hereditary and environmental reasons. Studies show There is no known cure for the disease. However, treatments and medications are available to help relieve symptoms and attacks.

Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease

As stated above, Meniere’s disease causes episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and inner ear pressure. The symptoms can come in episodes (attacks) lasting a few minutes to a multiple of hours. Individuals may experience the side effects of vertigo (spinning or falling sensation), which includes dizziness, nausea, sweating, and vomiting. Over time symptoms such as tinnitus and hearing loss may become permanent. Symptoms include but are not limited to the following:

• Vertigo (spinning or falling sensation)
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Intense ear pressure
• Drop attacks (suddenly falling to the ground)
• Headaches
• Inner ear pain
• Nausea
• Imbalance
• Vomiting
• Sweating

Social Security Disability for Meniere’s Disease

When an individual applies for disability, the Social Security Administration will evaluate his or her condition based on the Blue Book. This guide lists the requirements that need to be satisfied for certain disabilities to qualify for SSI or SSDI. Meniere’s disease is evaluated under listing 2.07 of Special Senses and Speech and is described below.

2.07 Disturbance of Labyrinthine-vestibular Function

An applicant must have a history of balance disturbance, hearing loss and tinnitus as well as both of the following:

A.) Caloric or other vestibular tests verifying disturbed function of vestibular labyrinth

B.) Audiometry verifying loss of hearing