Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 6/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am a veteran with diagnosed noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus due to military occupations many years ago. Recently I had tests done and was also diagnosed with Meniere's disease. The doctor tells me it is not related to the noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus. I also had trauma to my right ear while in the service and that is the ear that is giving me problems now. Could it be possible that my right ear problems are related to the head trauma that I sustained many years ago?

ANSWER: Hi David,
It is always hard to determine cause and effect especially when so many years have passed.  However, this is not to say that it is impossible.  I did a quick review of the literature, and although there is not overwhelming evidence to support this occurrence, there is enough to hypothesize that it is possible that your trauma/noise exposure may have eventually led to the Meniere's. I refer you to this citation that will lead you to some of references: http://www.entusa.com/acoustic_trauma.htm.

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you have any other info on whether head trauma could cause a delayed onset of Meniere's or any other disease that causes Meniere's like symptoms? What is the difference between Meniere's Disease and Meniere's Syndrome? Thanks.

David

Answer
Hi David,
I am going to refer you to this site:  http://www.menieresinfo.com/cause.html.
It will give you all the information you need and want on Meniere's.

There has always been a lot of discussion regarding the terms Meniere's Disease and Meniere's Syndrome.  Essentially, they are used almost interchangeably.  A big problem is that we can not always definitively diagnose a "disease" as Meniere's can manifest itself in different ways.  Thus, may professionals will use the term Syndrome instead to describe a condition in which the symptoms of Meniere's, i.e., vertigo, tinnitus, aural fullness and/or fluctuating low frequency hearing loss, are present.

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology