The analysis of the effects of progression on audiologic parameters in Meniere's Disease

Objective: Meniere?s Disease is characterized with fluctuating hearing loss, episodic vertigo, tinnitus and fullness in the ear. Its clinical course is with remissions and exacerbations. Most of the patients are free of symptoms between attacks. Hearing loss increases and the severity of vertigo attacks decreases with the progression of the disease.The aim of the study was to investigate the factors that may affect on hearing thresholds, and also predict the level of hearing thresholds, so that we can inform the patients for the long-term outcome.Method: Twenty-five patients with ?defined Meniere?s disease? served as study group. These patients have onset of disease at least 3 years and minimum 3 odyometric evaluations. Other otological pathologies are questioned by using a questionnaire.Results: The factors that cause progression in hearing levels, such as duration of disease, number of vertigo attacks, stress, age, gender, systemic diseases, bilaterality as well as treatment were studied. None of the mentioned factors showed statistical significance with the progression of hearing loss. However, as the duration of the disease increases, high frequency hearing loss increases, but later it becomes stabile. Only the latter findings are statistically significant.Conclusion: Because of the fluctuating character of the disease and individual factors, Meniere?s Disease show unpredictable progression. Tinnitus and fullness in the ear stays during the course of the disease. Stress is an important factor that can initiate vertigo attacks. Long term (>10yrs.) follow-up is required for the patients with Meniere?s Disease.Keywords: Meniere?s Disease, hearing loss, vertigo, progression, endolymphatic hydrops