Meniere’s Disease

Ménière’s disease (idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is a rare inner ear disorder that affects your sense of balance and hearing. People with this condition experience symptoms like vertigo, ringing in their ears (tinnitus) and difficulty hearing. Symptoms start without warning, then go away — only to come back time and time again. The condition can take a major toll on your daily life.

Left untreated, Ménière’s disease symptoms worsen over time and may cause permanent hearing loss and ongoing balance issues. But working with a healthcare provider to find the right treatments can help manage the condition.

How common is Ménière’s disease?

Ménière’s disease is rare. According to the most recent data from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 615,000 people in the United States have the disorder. (There are more than 330 million people in the United States.)