Meniere’s disease is an idiopathic medical condition thought to be caused by fluid deregulation within the inner ear. Typically affecting just one ear (bilateral in 20 – 30% of cases), the diagnosis is made by a characteristic symptom complex including fluctuating hearing loss, fluctuating tinnitus, fluctuating sense of aural fullness and episodic true vertigo lasting at least twenty minutes (occurring at least twice).
While there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, 80 – 85% of patients can be managed medically with a low salt diet and use of a diuretic (typically Dyazide). Anti-nausea medications (e.g. Phenergan) and vestibular suppressants (meclizine or Valium) may be required for breakthrough episodes of true vertigo but should not be used on a daily basis. Procedures used in patients who fail medical therapy include intratympanic injections of steroids or gentamicin, endolymphatic sac operations, vestibular nerve sectioning (via middle fossa or retrosigmoid approaches) or surgical labyrinthectomy. The Meniett device can also be considered.
Why Choose Us
- Dr. Abraham Jacob, Medical Director for Ear & Hearing (E&H) at the Center for Neurosciences (CNS), is fellowship trained in Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery. He is the first and most experienced Neurotologist in Tucson.
- Dr. Jacob was a founding member of the University of Arizona (UA) Department of Otolaryngology prior to his departure and transition to CNS. At UA, he was Vice Chair of ENT and held the rank of full Professor with Tenure. He has an international reputation as an expert for treating ear diseases.
- Dr. Jacob transitioned his practice to the Center for Neurosciences in early 2017 as he felt that the new environment helped him to optimize delivery of personalized ear and lateral skull base care for his patients.
- Dr. Jacob offers state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for patients with all types of ear and lateral skull base disorders. One of less than ten fellowship trained Neurotologists in the state of Arizona, Dr. Jacob is uniquely qualified to offer all the medical and surgical treatment options for Meniere’s Disease. Experience matters!
Ear & Hearing Appointments
Our Otologist/Neurotologist specializes in the medical and surgical care of patients with disorders of the ear and lateral skull base. Otology/Neurotology and Audiology work together to offer complete hearing health solutions.
To schedule an appointment with our Ear & Hearing department, please call us at (520) 795-7750.
Our Physicians’ Goal
Our physicians’ goal is to provide the highest-quality neurological care– the same level of care we would want for ourselves or our loved ones.
We will help our patients to understand their condition, listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and provide the best clinical treatment available.