Intermittent pressure therapy of intractable Ménière's disease using the Meniett device: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
Treatment with the Meniett device, which applies intermittent micropressure pulses to the inner ear through a tympanostomy tube, is effective in controlling vertigo in people with intractable Ménière's disease.


METHODS
Short-term, preliminary descriptive report.


METHODS
Ten patients with intractable vertigo despite adequate medical therapy elected to use the Meniett device. After placement of a standard tympanostomy tube, the patient self-administers the Meniett device three times daily.


RESULTS
The follow-up ranged from 3 to 11 months with an average of 8 months. All 10 patients responded to the therapy with vertigo control in 9 of 10 and a 50% reduction in the 10th case. There was a mean hearing gain of 6 dB, which was statistically significant. There were no major complications. Two subjects required tube reinsertion during the 8 months of follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the Meniett device is an effective and safe option for people with intractable vertigo from Ménière's disease.
Gates
George A
GA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195-7923, USA. ggates@u.washington.edu
Green
J Douglas
JD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011312:Pressure; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*