Questions and Answers – Meniett Therapy

Why does pressure have an effect on Ménière's disease?

Pressure is an important part of how your ears function. People with Ménière's disease have too much of a certain fluid, called endolymph, in one or both of their inner ears. Doctors believe this excess fluid disrupts the pressure in the ear, which causes the disease and its symptoms.1-3

Applying controlled micropressure pulses to the inner ear may reduce the excess fluid and relieve the symptoms.

Does Meniett® therapy work for everyone with Ménière's disease?

Meniett therapy is most effective for symptoms of rotary vertigo, the feeling of spinning even though you’re standing still. The best results are expected in patients whose worst symptom is rotary vertigo. Studies have shown that two-thirds of patients with the most severe symptoms got complete or almost complete relief from their vertigo with Meniett therapy.4-10

How long does it take before I notice a difference in my symptoms?

It depends on your particular case of the disease. It’s very important to follow your prescribed treatment schedule every day for at least 5 to 6 weeks. Based on other patients’ experiences, you should know within this time if Meniett therapy is going to help you. The intensity or frequency of your vertigo attacks should decrease. However, it may take longer than that for some patients, and less for others. 

Be sure to follow your doctor's prescription and do not skip any treatments. Otherwise, Meniett therapy may be less effective for you.

Why must Meniett treatments be repeated?

Endolymphatic fluid is continually produced in the ear, so it’s necessary to repeat the treatment regularly. Doctors usually prescribe three treatments per day. Each treatment takes about 5 minutes.

Why do I need a ventilation tube (vent tube) in my eardrum?

The Meniett device’s pressure pulses must travel from the outer ear to the middle ear, in order to affect the inner ear. Without the vent tube, your eardrum would block the pulses from reaching the middle ear.

Is the vent tube left in my eardrum permanently?

No. The vent tube is in place for as long as you need Meniett therapy. Your doctor will check the tube periodically to make sure it’s still in place and working properly. Once the vent tube is removed, the eardrum usually heals completely.

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, 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 performing Meniett treatments. However, eventually, your Ménière’s disease may go into remission. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have questions about the status of your Ménière’s disease.

References

  1. Torok N. 1977. Old and new in Ménière’s disease. The Laryngoscope. 87(11):1870-1877.
  2. Schuknecht HF. 1975. Pathophysiology of Ménière’s disease. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 8(2):507-514.
  3. Gulya AJ, Schuknecht HF. 1982. Classification of endolymphatic hydrops. Am J Otolaryngol. 3(5):319-322.
  4. Gates GA, Green Jr. JD, Tucci DL, Telian SA. 2004. The effects of transtympanic micropressure treatment in people with unilateral Ménière’s disease. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004;130:718-725.
  5. Rajan GP, Din S, Atlas MD. 2005. Long-term effects of the Meniett device in Ménière’s disease: the Western Australian experience. J Laryngol Otol. 119:391-395.
  6. Thomsen J, Sass K, Ödkvist L, Arlinger S. 2005. Local overpressure treatment reduces vestibular symptoms in patients with Ménière’s disease: a clinical, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Otol Neurotol. 26:68-73.
  7. Gates GA, Verrall A, Green Jr. JD, Tucci DL, Telian SA. Meniett clinical trial: long-term follow-up. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006;132:1311-6.
  8. Densert B, Densert O, Arlinger S, et al. Immediate effects of middle ear pressure changes on the electrocochleographic recordings in patients with Ménière’s disease: A clinical placebo-controlled study. Am J Otol. 18:726-733, 1997.
  9. Ödkvist LM, Arlinger S, Millermark E, et al. Effects of middle ear pressure changes on clinical symptoms in patients with Ménière’s disease - a clinical multicenter placebo-controlled study. Acta Otolaryngol. 2000; Suppl 543:99-101.
  10. Densert B, Sass K. Control of symptoms in patients with Ménière’s disease using middle ear pressure applications: Two years follow-up. Acta Otolaryngol. 2001:121;616-621.

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 4 Aug 2008

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