Rapid Review: Ménière Disease

Reviewed February 2024

Ménière Disease

• Patient will be complaining of episodic low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus with aural (ear) fullness, and vertigo lasting one to eight hours
• Diagnosis is made clinically
• Most commonly caused by too much inner ear endolymph and increased pressure within the inner ear
• Treatment is low salt diet, diuretics (HCTZ + triamterene)

Sample Question:

A 28-year-old man presents to his primary care physician for evaluation of intermittent episodes of left ear tinnitus, fullness, and hearing loss over the past 6 months. He reports no history of loud noise exposure or recent ear or upper respiratory tract infections. On two occasions without any inciting event, he has also experienced episodes of the room spinning around him. Each episode lasts about an hour. He has no known medical conditions and takes no medications. Vital signs and physical exam are unremarkable. Audiometry is significant for low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss in his left ear. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?