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Meniere's Disease Symptoms, Not Yet Diagnosed

Posted , 5 users are following.

patrick45945
patrick45945

So I was recently referred to an ENT specialist after suffering with a clogged ear for several weeks. I was initially diagnosed by a local urgent care center with an ear infection and oral antibiotics were prescribed. After symptoms persisted, I returned to my primary care doctor and antibiotic ear drops were prescribed. When symptoms persisted, I was referred to an ENT specialist.

I have had the audio and air pressure tests and am scheduled for a balance test. While researching the Internet, I found I have several symptoms of Meniere's Disease and expect that may be the diagnosis after the tests are completed.

I have had seasonal sinus/allergies for several years but after we got a dog in our house about 10 years ago, my symptoms became chronic, so I'm fairly certain I have an animal dander allergy. The dog is a black lab that sheds copiously, and while I use a Dyson animal vacuum daily in addition to a HEPA air purifier, take Loratadine, Flo-Nase and a prescribed antihistamine nasal spray and use a Neti pot daily, my symptoms persist. I am a 67 year old male, in otherwise good health although I take meds for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Any feedback and/or suggestions will be greatly appreciated, especially information on how dog allergies may or may not trigger MD symptoms. I avoid contact with the dog as much as possible, but she sleeps in our bedroom and I hope to avoid breaking my wife's heart by finding another home for the dog.

Regards,

Patrick

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • patricia69095
    patricia69095 patrick45945

    Posted

    Allergies are definitely a trigger for Meniere's Disease. If you can control the allergies it does help stop the symptoms of Meniere's.

  • Bluesmann
    Bluesmann patrick45945

    Posted

    there is a study form a doctor i think in colorado who finds a great deal of correlation between meniieres and allergies.....i also had bad sinus and was founsd to have mennieres about the same time as i had sinus surgery....i only wish i had the surgery many years ago as my breathing has been great...i also use a sinugator daily keeps everything clean and moist....mennieres is different for everyone just keep reading alot and good luck
    • patrick45945
      patrick45945 Bluesmann

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply, Bluesmann! I use a Neti pot daily...is the sinugator that much more effective?
    • Bluesmann
      Bluesmann patrick45945

      Posted

      The sunugator is battery operated I think same principal. Easy to use for me
  • eleftherio33095
    eleftherio33095 patrick45945

    Posted

    Please let us know what the audiogram test shows when you know.

    Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

    Clinical Neurophysiologist,

    Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

    • patrick45945
      patrick45945 eleftherio33095

      Posted

      Thanks for your response. I am scheduled for the balnce test end of March and will see the ENT doctor middle of April and expect he  will go over the results withw me  then which I will be happy to share.

      ​Meanwhile, in your opinion, is the HEPA air purifier I am using helpful and effective? My wife hates the noise.

    • eleftherio33095
      eleftherio33095 patrick45945

      Posted

      If you have not noticed a difference, than probably it is not helpful.

      Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

      Clinical Neurophysiologist,

      Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

  • tanney
    tanney patrick45945

    Posted

    hi Patrick.  I've had Meniere's disease in my left ear for 35 years....right ear has always been disease free until I started volunteering at a dog rescue facility.  After only a week of so of volunteering I develeped MD in right ear (last August).  I now have bilateral MD.  Allergies (to dogs or any environmental/food allergen) can cause/lead to MD in a heathly ear and can make MD much worse in affected ear. You may want to seriously consider having dog not sleep in your room for a week or so and see what effect that has.

    By the way....did your ENT conduct an audiogram of your hearing?  what was the result.  A sign of MD is low frequency hearing loss.  Did yours show that? Do you have ear fullness/aura and constant tinnitus?  Does sound feel like it reverberating in your bad ear....all signs of MD.  Let me know what your ENT says.  My 35 years of living with MD has provided a lot of experience in coping with this ailment that might be of help to you

    • patrick45945
      patrick45945 tanney

      Posted

      HI Tanney and thanks for your response!

      I had the neurodiagnoses tests last week and will discuss results with ENT later this month and will be happy to share.

      FWIW, I had seasonal allergies for years before getting the dog in the house at which time they became chronic. Ear problems soon followed which led me to ENT and tests.

      I have also had three acupuncture treatments after seeing recommendations for such on this thread, but have not noticed an improvement in my ear condition which remains clogged and ringing. It may have helped reduce dizzy spells, but I also reduced caffeine intake at the same time so not sure if acupuncture is helpful. Would appreciate any feedback regarding this (how many treatments, effectiveness, etc.).

      Thanks again for your reply!

    • patrick45945
      patrick45945 tanney

      Posted

      So the results of the audio gram and associated tests prompted the ENT to advise that my hearing loss and tinnitus wasn't MD but more likely either a benign tumor on the auditory nerve or a viral infection, so he referred me for an MRI which showed no abnormal growths or lesions.

      Bottom line, I am left with 30% hearing loss in my left ear and constant tinnitus in that ear. My primary doctor prescribed Prednisone which had no effect on my condition.

      Good news is the dizzy spells have subsided and I am back on my motorcycle! I can live with the hearing loss and tinnitus and always have the option of a hearing aid.

      And, being a bit of a Pollyanna, I am looking forward to the day when my hearing returns as quickly as it left me! There are times on my daily bike ride, especially after clearing my nose, that my hearing momentarily improves, almost like listening to stereo with a loose speaker wire.

      As others have suggested, this condition is not life-threatening, but life-changing. For this I am grateful!

      Feedback is appreciated.

    • tanney
      tanney patrick45945

      Posted

      glad to hear that you do not have Md, Patrick.  Great news.  Are you being treated for a viral infection?  You mentioned that you had taken prednisone....was it the "dose pack"?  If so, and if you do not have the infection, it might be worth trying a heavier dose of prednisode...20mg two times a day for 6 days.  You will not have to taper off with only a 6 day dose.  It might be worth a try.  Again, the best of luck to you.  Be careful riding your bike....vertigo can sneak up on you when unexpected.

    • patrick45945
      patrick45945 tanney

      Posted

      I was prescribed Prednisone 10 mg x3 once a day for 5 days. I almost think it may have diminished the tinnitus but no change in hearing loss. I will see the doc in a few weeks and will mention your suggestion to increase the dose.

      And no, the ENT did not prescribe anything for the viral infection and only said I would have to "live with it" and get a hearing aid if the hearing loss becomes an issue.

      To be honest, I am not confident that he knows what caused my hearing loss and is pretty much done with me unless I want to pursue the hearing aid option.

      Thanks again for your response.

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