Hearing fluctuation is not a predictor of vertigo attacks in Meniere's syndrome

This study aimed to determine if regular self-hearing tests would be useful as a predictor of vertigo in patients with Meniere’s syndrome. The study group consisted of patients who had a clinical diagnosis of definite Meniere’s syndrome according to the AAO-HNS criteria, a score on the Gibson scale of 7 or over and an enhanced negative summating potential on transtympanic electrocochleography. These patients were supplied with a programmable hearing aid and a portable programmer that allowed them to measure their own hearing in-situ. They were asked to measure their audiometric thresholds daily and if possible during the attacks of vertigo. Hearing fluctuation occurred more often than expected but did not usually correlate with vertigo episodes. Statistical analysis showed that it would not be possible to predict an attack based on changes in hearing thresholds in this group of patients with Meneire’s disease.