Don’t let your life spin out of control and get thrown off balance. Ménière’s Disease Awareness Day on February 7 was established to raise awareness about this rare but chronic condition that affects the inner ear, causing the unpredictable and debilitating symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. It’s a life changing condition for many of the people who are diagnosed with it. Research has identified associations between Ménière’s disease and reduced quality of life amongst diagnosed individuals. In acute episodes, Ménière’s disease is one of the most debilitating diseases experienced by people who survive an illness.
Attacks may be characterized by periods of dormancy and exacerbation. After a severe attack, most people find that they are extremely exhausted and must sleep for several hours. People with Ménière’s disease may suffer from psychological distress, high anxiety and depression. It is important to note that some people suffering from MD lead productive, near-normal lives, while others face greater challenges in coping. There is no cure for Ménière’s disease—yet. But with advances in medicine and research, there is hope for a cure.
Ménière’s disease is progressive and primarily affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60, although younger and older people are affected. It causes permanent hearing loss and ongoing balance problems. Unfortunately, there’s no known cure, yet, but early diagnosis may reduce the condition’s impact, and treatments, including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery in more severe cases, may help manage the symptoms. Increased awareness encourages support for those affected, and will help to drive research, both of which are crucial for improving lives and advancing the search for a cure.
History of Ménière's Disease Awareness Day
Ménière’s Disease Awareness Day was established to shine a spotlight on Ménière’s disease, named after the French physician, Prosper Ménière (June 18, 1799 – February 7, 1862). In 1861, he first identified the disorder as being linked to the inner ear and not the brain, as was previously believed. While the exact cause of Ménière’s disease is unknown, the most common theory is that a buildup of endolymph, a fluid in the inner ear, disrupts the balance and hearing signals to the brain. Other possible causes include genetics, viral infections, autoimmune issues, or problems with blood flow to the inner ear. However, more research is needed to fully understand what causes the condition.
Today, Ménière’s disease affects approximately 615,000 people in the United States and roughly 45,500 new cases are diagnosed annually, making it a rare condition. As many as 5,000,000 people worldwide are affected. While both men and women have an equal likelihood of developing the condition, research suggests that women may be slightly more prone. Usually, only one ear is affected, however, for approximately 15% of those with the condition, both ears are affected.
Symptoms start suddenly, without warning, then subside, and return repeatedly. Some people experience infrequent attacks, while others suffer from frequent episodes over several days. Ménière’s disease can also cause “drop attacks,” or Tumarkin otolithic crisis, leading to a sudden drop to the ground, resulting in injuries, making activities like climbing a ladder or driving very risky.
Ménière’s disease results in permanent hearing loss after a period of eight to ten years. Additionally, the condition affects mental health and some develop anxiety about future attacks, or depression due to the impact the condition is having on their daily lives. Some people have even taken their own lives. Ménière’s disease not only affects people physically, it impacts them mentally, socially, financially, emotionally and psychologically.
While there’s no cure for Ménière’s disease, yet, treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of attacks, which is why an early diagnosis is so important. Healthcare providers will typically start with approaches like lifestyle changes—including low-salt diets, avoiding foods with MSG, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, which may trigger attacks, managing stress, and getting enough rest—medication, and therapy. If these aren’t effective, destructive surgery may be considered.
On Ménière’s Disease Awareness Day, we’re raising awareness about the condition, its impact on the quality of daily life, and the importance of an early diagnosis for possible treatments that may improve the quality of life for those affected. It is important to note that current treatments don’t work for everyone.
Ménière's Disease Awareness Day timeline
French physician Prosper Ménière links the symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss to a disorder of the inner ear.
Improved diagnostic techniques, including the use of audiograms and electronystagmography (ENG), allow Ménière's disease to be identified more easily.
Surgical treatments like endolymphatic sac decompression are developed as options for severe cases of Ménière's disease.
Studies explore potential genetic factors associated with Ménière's disease, leading to a better understanding of the disease's origins and risk factors.
Ménière's Disease Awareness Day is established to raise awareness about this unpredictable and often debilitating condition, and the first observation takes place. The date is chosen to honor Dr. Prosper Ménière (June 19, 1799 – February 7, 1862).
Ménière's Disease Awareness Day FAQs
How is Ménière's disease diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will do an exam and ask about your health history. For Ménière’s disease to be diagnosed, symptoms must include:
- Two or more vertigo attacks, each lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Hearing loss evidenced by an audiologist.
- Tinnitus or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
How long do Ménière’s disease episodes last?
The episodes are very unpredictable. Ménière’s disease symptoms start in episodes that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, or more. You may experience frequent episodes back-to-back or long periods of remission (no symptoms) in between episodes.
What causes Ménière’s disease?
The exact cause of Ménière’s disease is unknown but research has highlighted a buildup of endolymph, a fluid in the inner ear, may be a contributing factor as well as allergies, abnormal immune system response, head injury, inflammation, genetics, COVID, or other viral infections.
How to Observe Ménière's Disease Awareness Day
Get an early diagnosis
If you or anyone you know is experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If diagnosed, your healthcare professional can provide the necessary guidance and treatment options to manage the condition and prevent long-term complications.
Post to social media and help spread the word
Share useful information about the symptoms and the importance of getting an early diagnosis to your social media accounts. Encourage those who have the condition to share their experiences, which could help others who are affected. And don't forget to use the hashtag #MenieresDiseaseAwarenessDay to increase your reach.
Donate to research
Consider donating to organizations that support ongoing research. Your contribution, no matter how small, can help fund studies that could help lead to a better understanding of what causes the condition and finding a cure
Attend an Event
Attend a Meniere's Morning Tea/High Tea, a Meniere's Online Morning Tea, or the Great Outdoor BBQ. You can even host a Zoom session that focuses on sharing personal stories, coping strategies, and support for those living with Meniere’s disease.
5 Facts About Ménière's Disease
It’s an inner ear disorder
Ménière's disease affects the inner ear, specifically the cochlea and the vestibular organ, which control hearing and balance.
It’s a chronic condition
Ménière's disease is a long-term, progressive condition that worsens over time if left untreated.
The cause is unclear
The exact cause of Ménière's disease is unknown, though it is believed to be related to an endolymph fluid buildup in the inner ear due to allergies, abnormal immune system response, head injury, inflammation, genetics, COVID, or other viral infections.
The symptoms fluctuate
The severity and frequency of symptoms can vary—some people experience periods of remission while others have frequent episodes.
It's diagnosed through tests
A diagnosis typically involves hearing tests, balance tests, and an evaluation of symptoms by a medical professional.
Why Ménière's Disease Awareness Day is Important
It raises awareness about the condition
Meniere's disease is a rare condition and many people may not recognize the symptoms or understand how debilitating it can be for those who are affected. By raising awareness, we can help others better understand the challenges faced by those living with the condition.
It encourages early diagnosis and treatment and importantly, research
Raising awareness can lead to quicker recognition of symptoms and encourage people to seek medical help sooner. The earlier Meniere’s disease is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be managed.
It creates a support network
The day brings together people who understand the ups and downs of living with the condition. It connects those who share similar experiences and provides a network of support where individuals can offer advice and share coping strategies.
Ménière's Disease Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 7 | Saturday |
| 2027 | February 7 | Sunday |
| 2028 | February 7 | Monday |
| 2029 | February 7 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | February 7 | Thursday |
