Long-term effects of Ménière's disease on hearing and quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate long-term hearing results and quality of life in patients with Ménière's disease.


METHODS
Detailed audiometric evaluation and disease-specific as well as global health quality evaluation of patients with Ménière's disease.


METHODS
Ambulatory evaluation was conducted in a large multispecialty clinic.


METHODS
Ménière's disease in only one ear, were at least 1 year posttreatment, were < 65 years of age, had no neurologic or psychologic disorders, and lived within driving distance of the ambulatory clinic.


METHODS
Audiometry, the Hearing Handicap Inventory, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, and SF-36 Health Survey.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences in long-term hearing results were detected from natural history in medically or surgically treated patients with Ménière's disease. A significant disease-specific symptom handicap was detected. The global health handicap was greater for emotional disability than for physical disability.


CONCLUSIONS
Medical and surgical treatment does not significantly influence hearing results in Ménière's disease. Patients with Ménière's disease have a greater emotional disability than a physical disability.
Kinney
S E
SE
Department of Otolaryngology/Communicative Disorders, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195-5034, USA.
Sandridge
S A
SA
Newman
C W
CW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life