Meniere's Disease
Call for an AppointmentDuke otologists and neurotologists diagnose and treat Meniere’s disease, a chronic condition of the inner ear that can cause vertigo (dizziness), hearing loss, and tinnitus. Usually only present in one ear, Meniere’s disease (or syndrome) is an excess of normal fluid in the inner ear. While there is no cure, treatment can reduce symptoms and minimize its impact on your quality of life.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Tests
Audiogram
Audiologists, who specialize in hearing loss, use different types of tests to learn whether you have hearing loss and, if so, whether it’s caused by problems in the inner ear.
Balance Testing
Duke uses sophisticated technology to help doctors understand the cause and extent of your dizziness.
- Video/Electronystagmography (VNG/ENG): Small amounts of warm or cool water are poured into your ear canals. Then an audiologist will ask you questions and measure your eye movements.
- Rotational chair: Assesses the interaction between your eyes and inner ears. In a dark room, you’ll watch patterns of light. At times, your chair will rotate and you’ll be asked to look straight ahead and talk with the test administrator.
- Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP): Allows doctors to see how well your ears’ vestibular (balance) nerves are working. You’ll lie back in a chair and listen to sounds through headphones while an audiologists tracks how your neck muscles and eyes react.
- Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT): You will be asked to wear a head device while an audiologist moves your head and measures how your eyes move in response.
CT and MRI Scans
CT imaging allows ENT doctors to get a detailed look at important bones in and around your ear, while MRI images show the intricacies of softer tissues like nerves, inner ear fluids, and the brain.
Why Choose Duke
Complex Care
Otologists/neurotologists are ENT specialists who complete an additional two years of training to specialize in treating complicated ear disorders and performing intricate ear surgeries. Working together with other specialists as needed -- including otolaryngologists, audiologists, vestibular specialists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and others -- Duke’s ear experts provide high-quality ear care.
Advanced Technology
From testing to surgical techniques, our experts use specialized tools to increase accuracy, boost efficiency, and reduce risk.
Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2020–2021.