Ménière's Disease Awareness Day – February 7, 2026

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. 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. Ménière’s disease can develop at any age but it’s most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60. Additionally, while both men and women have an equal likelihood of developing the condition, research suggests that women may be slightly more prone.

The condition is characterized as a disorder of the inner ear that causes vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness, congestion, or pressure in the ear. 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 cause severe vertigo attacks, known as “drop attacks,” that can lead to falls, making activities like climbing a ladder or driving very risky. If left untreated, it can also result in permanent hearing loss after a period of eight to 10 years. Additionally, the condition can be taxing on one’s mental health and some develop anxiety about future attacks or depression due to the impact the condition is having on their daily lives.

While there’s no cure for Ménière’s disease, 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, surgery may be considered. 

On Ménière’s Disease Awareness Day, we’re raising awareness about the condition, its impact on daily life, and the importance of an early diagnosis and proper treatment to improve the quality of life for those affected.