Tinnitus has been known to be triggered by Menieres disease. This medical malady is treated through medication, a special Menieres Disease diet and in extreme cases surgical procedures. But just what is Menieres Disease?

Menieres Disease is an abnormality in the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance. This disorder usually just affects one ear and is a common cause of hearing loss. Other symptoms of the disease include tinnitus, vertigo or extreme dizziness, fluctuating hearing loss and a sensation of fullness or pain in the affected ear.

The exact cause of this condition is not exactly well known by medical practitioners. This disease however is believed to be associated with a change in the volume of fluid within the inner ear. One of the parts of the inner ear is called the membranous labyrinth. This part of the ear is necessary for hearing and for keeping one’s balance. It also contains fluids called endolymph. When one moves his or her head the endolymph in the membranous labyrinth also moves. This movement is detected by nerve receptors which send signals to the brain about the motion one’s body just made.

The problem starts when there is an increase in endolymph which can cause the membranous labyrinth to expand like a balloon. What causes the change in volume can be attributed to a couple of factors. The first is that there is an obstruction in the duct that drains the endolymph. This obstruction can be scar tissue brought about by some ear infection or head trauma. It may also be that the duct is naturally narrow—an inborn or congenital attribute. In some cases the increase in volume can be attributed to too much fluid being excreted by the stria vascularis.

There is no cure for Menieres Disease. The most that doctors can do is to control and lessen the intensity and frequency of the symptoms. Medications that increase blood flow in the inner ear may help alleviate the symptoms as well as provide ear ringing remedies. Changes in medication for allergies may also have to be done. A special Menieres disease diet may also be recommended which basically involves the elimination or reduction of salt in the food intake of the patient. A person with Menieres disease is also strongly advised to avoid alcohol and tobacco to avoid increasing the intensity of the symptoms.