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Questions and Answers – Meniett Therapy for Ménière’s Disease

Does Meniett therapy help every Ménière's disease patient?

No, each person’s Ménière's disease responds differently to different treatments. Meniett therapy is most effective for dizziness and vertigo symptoms of Ménière's disease. Many studies show that Meniett therapy significantly improves vertigo in the majority of Ménière's disease patients who use it.^4-15

When will I see a difference in my symptoms?

It depends on your Ménière's disease. Most Ménière's disease patients who are helped by Meniett therapy will see a difference within 6 weeks. It’s very important to follow your treatments every day for at least 6 weeks. Don’t skip any treatments. If you do your treatments exactly as prescribed for 6 weeks and your vertigo doesn’t get better, then Meniett therapy may not help your Ménière's disease. You can return the Meniett device for a refund within 6 weeks of purchase.

How long has Meniett therapy been used for Ménière’s disease? Is it experimental?

The Meniett device is not an experimental treatment for Ménière’s disease. In the US, patients have used Meniett therapy since it received FDA clearance in 1999 for Ménière’s disease. It’s been used in Europe since 1997. Medtronic acquired the Meniett device in 2000.

Meniett therapy is based on nearly 50 years of research into how pressure affects the ear and many clinical studies.^4-15 The American Academy of Otolaryngology is the most well-recognized and well-respected organization for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists. It writes:

“We find that there is convincing and well-controlled medical evidence to support the use of micropressure therapy (such as the Meniett device) in certain cases of Ménière’s disease. Micropressure therapy is best used as a second level therapy when medical treatment has failed.”¹⁶

What research is there on Meniett therapy for Ménière’s disease?

Meniett therapy for Ménière's disease has been developed and tested in nearly 30 years of research in the US and abroad.^4-15,17-20 Both short-term and long-term results have been studied. The research concludes that Meniett therapy is a safe, simple, and effective treatment for the dizziness and vertigo symptoms of Ménière’s disease.^4-15 Learn more.

Why do I have to repeat the Meniett treatments?

Ménière's disease patients have too much inner ear fluid called endolymph. But endolymph helps you hear and maintain your balance, so your inner ear always produces it. That’s why the fluid will eventually build up again after each Meniett treatment, so doctors usually prescribe three Meniett treatments per day.

Why do I need a vent tube in my eardrum? Is it permanent?

The Meniett device sends micropressure pulses that have to move from the outer ear to the middle ear and the inner ear. But your eardrum acts like a barrier between the middle ear and inner ear. The tiny vent tube allows the micropressure pulses to keep moving where they need to go.

The vent tube is only there for as long as you need Meniett therapy for your Ménière’s disease. Your doctor will check the tube periodically to make sure it’s still in place and open. Once the vent tube is removed, the eardrum usually heals completely.

Why do micropressure pulses affect Ménière's disease?

An inner ear fluid called endolymph sends signals to the brain for hearing and balance. Ménière's disease patients have too much endolymph, which increases pressure in the ear and causes Ménière's disease symptoms.^1-3 Scientists don’t completely understand why, but micropressure therapy may help reduce this excess fluid and relieve inner ear pressure.

How strong are the micropressure pulses? Do they hurt?

No, the Meniett’s micropressure pulses are not painful. A computer in the Meniett device controls the pressure pulses. The maximum pressure is 12 mbar. This is the same as what you’re exposed to if you swim 5 inches under the surface of water. Natural pressure changes to the inner ear, like sneezing, are several times stronger.

How long do I keep using Meniett therapy?

Research shows that Meniett therapy is safe and effective for long-term use in most Ménière’s disease patients. In general, Ménière’s disease patients use Meniett therapy for as long as they need it. Most patients who are helped by Meniett therapy notice that their symptoms return if they stop their Meniett treatments. However, eventually, your Ménière’s disease may go into remission. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have questions about your Ménière’s disease treatment.

 

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• About Meniett Therapy
• What Is Micropressure Therapy?
• The Meniett Device
• Benefits and Risks
• Questions and Answers
• Clinical Studies

• Personal Stories

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