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.

STUDY DESIGN

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

SETTING

Ambulatory evaluation was conducted in a large multispecialty clinic.

PATIENTS

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.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

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.