Meniere's disease: clinical course, auditory findings, and hearing aid fitting.

Abstract

Results of a five-year longitudinal study of Meniere's disease in 95 patients is presented. Tests utilized in diagnosis and in determining specific etiology are described. Clinical treatment for patients with Meniere's disease symptoms is discussed. Auditory test results for 101 ears are analyzed. The fluctuating nature of the hearing loss, the poor discrimination for speech, and the limited tolerance for amplification because of the narrow dynamic range present significant problems in utilization of hearing aids for patients with Meniere's disease. A practical approach is suggested for the fitting of hearing aids for these patients.