Ménière's disease: vertigo, hearing and support
Ménière's disease is a long-term inner ear condition that causes attacks of vertigo, with hearing loss, tinnitus and a full feeling in the ear. It is unpredictable, but there is a lot that can be done to manage it.
An inner ear that loses its balance.
In Ménière's disease, the fluid system of the inner ear, which controls both hearing and balance, does not work as it should. It is thought to involve a build-up of fluid in part of the inner ear, though why this happens is not fully understood.
It usually starts in one ear, and most often begins between the ages of 20 and 60. Attacks come and go, sometimes in clusters, with weeks, months or even years between them. Over time, hearing in the affected ear can gradually decline, typically starting with low-pitched sounds.
Often with nausea, vomiting, roaring tinnitus and muffled hearing in one ear.
As the condition goes on, some hearing loss and tinnitus often remain all the time.
Signs of Ménière's disease.
Ménière's is diagnosed by a doctor, usually with ENT. A hearing test is an important part of that, and it is often what shows the typical low-pitched pattern of loss.
How it is diagnosed.
There is no single test for Ménière's disease. Doctors diagnose it from the pattern of symptoms, at least two attacks of vertigo, each lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours, along with hearing loss, tinnitus or fullness in the same ear, and a hearing test showing a typical pattern of loss.
Your GP will usually refer you to an ENT or balance specialist. They may arrange further tests, including balance tests and sometimes an MRI scan to rule out other causes.
How it is managed.
- During attacks: medicines prescribed by your GP can reduce nausea and vertigo. Lie still in a quiet room and keep your eyes fixed on one point.
- Lifestyle: some people find attacks are less frequent when they reduce salt, caffeine and alcohol, manage stress and get enough sleep.
- Balance rehabilitation: exercises from a physiotherapist or vestibular service help your brain adapt between attacks.
- Specialist treatments: if attacks remain frequent, ENT may suggest injections into the middle ear, or rarely surgery.
- Hearing aids and tinnitus support: for the hearing loss and tinnitus that can remain between attacks.
If you drive, you must tell the DVLA if you have sudden, disabling attacks of dizziness. The Ménière's Society is a helpful UK charity for support and information.
Tracking your hearing, and easing everyday listening.
Because hearing in Ménière's can fluctuate, repeat tests help you and your doctor see how it is changing.
Modern hearing aids can be adjusted as your hearing changes, and several programs can be set up for good and bad days.
Tinnitus assessment and advice are part of every hearing test, and many hearing aids include tinnitus sound programs.
If your hearing results suggest Ménière's or another inner ear problem, we write to your GP.
Call 999 if dizziness comes with
- Weakness, numbness or tingling on one side of your body
- A drooping face or slurred speech
- Double vision or loss of vision
- A sudden, severe headache
These can be signs of a stroke. For a first attack of vertigo with hearing loss, contact your GP or NHS 111 the same day.
Frequently asked questions.
There is no cure yet, but treatments and lifestyle changes can reduce the number and severity of attacks, and hearing aids and tinnitus support help with the effects on hearing.
It can. Early on, hearing often recovers between attacks. Over time, many people are left with some permanent hearing loss in the affected ear.
It usually starts in one ear. Some people develop it in the second ear later on.
Yes. Hearing aids can be programmed to your hearing and adjusted as it changes. They also help make tinnitus less noticeable for many people.
If you have sudden, disabling attacks of dizziness, you must tell the DVLA. Check the latest DVLA guidance or ask your GP.
Keep track of your hearing.
Hearing tests in our Birmingham clinic or at home, with tinnitus support included.
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritisLow-frequency hearing lossTinnitusHearing loss in one earHearing aids
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.