Fiducia TogetherMénière's disease
Attacks of vertigo with hearing loss and tinnitus. Unpredictable, disabling, and it burns out over years.
Important: This page is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your health or someone else's, speak to a GP, pharmacist, or call 111. In an emergency, call 999.
What it is
Ménière's disease affects around 1 in 1,000 people. It causes attacks of severe vertigo, lasting 20 minutes to several hours, together with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in one ear.
It is thought to involve a build-up of fluid pressure in the inner ear.
The unpredictability is the disabling part. An attack can arrive without warning, cause violent vertigo and vomiting, and leave someone unable to stand for hours. Planning anything becomes difficult.
Over years, attacks usually become less frequent, but hearing in the affected ear tends to decline permanently. That trajectory is worth knowing, because it changes what people plan for.
Signs you might notice
Sudden attacks of spinning vertigo lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours, with nausea and vomiting.
Fluctuating hearing loss, usually in one ear, worse during attacks.
Tinnitus, often roaring rather than ringing.
A sense of pressure or fullness in the affected ear.
Exhaustion for a day or two afterwards.
Drop attacks, falling suddenly without losing consciousness, occur in some people and are dangerous.
How it can affect day-to-day life
Driving, working and childcare all become uncertain, and people withdraw from responsibilities they cannot guarantee. The DVLA must be told.
The anxiety between attacks is substantial and is a legitimate target for treatment in its own right.
Hearing loss accumulates, and hearing aids become part of the picture. See deafness and hearing loss.
Drop attacks are a serious safety issue and warrant urgent specialist review.
Supporting someone well
Reduce salt substantially, and keep caffeine and alcohol low. The evidence is modest but many people find it helps, and it costs nothing.
Have an attack plan: somewhere safe to lie down, a sick bowl, and medication to hand.
Ask about betahistine, and about vestibular rehabilitation between attacks to help the brain compensate.
Do not stay on vestibular sedatives long-term, since they impede compensation.
Report drop attacks urgently.
Get hearing aids when needed rather than waiting, and treat the tinnitus distress separately from the hearing loss.
Where to get help
Ask a GP for ENT referral and audiology assessment.
Ménière's & Vestibular UK run a helpline and support groups.
Notify the DVLA. Driving with unpredictable vertigo is unsafe and legally reportable.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Important: This page is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your health or someone else's, speak to a GP, pharmacist, or call 111. In an emergency, call 999.