Meniere's Disease Gangnam Seoul | English-Speaking ENT

What is Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear associated with endolymphatic hydrops, an excess build-up of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear's membranous labyrinth. This affects both hearing and balance. It usually starts in one ear, most often in adults aged roughly 40 to 60, though it can occur at any age. The course is unpredictable, with clusters of attacks separated by quiet periods.

Symptoms

A typical attack includes:

Vertigo: spinning lasting about 20 minutes to 12 hours, often with nausea and vomiting
Fluctuating hearing loss: mainly low-pitched sounds at first, improving between attacks early on
Tinnitus: often a low roaring sound
Aural fullness: pressure or blocked feeling in the affected ear

Over years, hearing loss may become permanent. Some patients experience sudden drop attacks (falls without warning), which are uncommon.

Causes

The exact cause is not fully understood. Contributing factors may include abnormal fluid drainage, genetic predisposition, autoimmune processes, previous viral infection, migraine and allergy. Triggers reported by patients include high salt intake, caffeine, alcohol, stress and lack of sleep.

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Diagnosis is clinical, based on the pattern of attacks plus documented hearing loss. Dr. Kim takes a detailed history, examines the ears, and performs a hearing test, which often shows low-frequency sensorineural loss in the affected ear. A Frenzel goggle examination helps differentiate Meniere's disease from BPPV and vestibular neuritis. Because one-sided hearing loss and vertigo can rarely be caused by a nerve tumor, an MRI is usually recommended through referral.

Treatment options

Lifestyle measures

Low-salt diet, which can be challenging with salty Korean staples such as soups, stews and kimchi; small changes add up
Limiting caffeine and alcohol
Regular sleep and stress management
Keeping a symptom diary to identify triggers

Medication

Diuretics and betahistine are commonly used to reduce attack frequency, though evidence varies
Vestibular suppressants and anti-nausea drugs for acute attacks

Intratympanic and other treatments

For attacks that continue despite medical treatment, an intratympanic steroid injection delivers medication directly to the inner ear under local anesthetic. More invasive options, such as intratympanic gentamicin or surgery, are considered in specialist centers for severe, refractory cases. Vestibular rehabilitation helps with ongoing imbalance, and hearing aids support hearing.

When to see an ENT

See an ENT if you experience repeated vertigo with ear fullness, tinnitus or hearing changes. Seek emergency care for vertigo with severe headache, slurred speech, facial drooping, limb weakness or double vision.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk is a former Yonsei clinical assistant professor and Ajou assistant professor. He is a rhinology subspecialist who treats all ENT conditions, including chronic inner ear disorders, and he can give practical English-language advice on reducing salt in a Korean diet. See location and hours for your visit.

Can Meniere's disease be cured?

There is currently no cure, but treatment can substantially reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks for many patients. Lifestyle changes, medication and intratympanic therapy are used in steps. Regular hearing tests monitor the condition over time.

How do I reduce salt when eating Korean food?

Eat less of the soup broth, choose grilled or steamed dishes over stews, limit kimchi and pickled side dishes, and ask for less seasoning when possible. Reading labels on packaged foods and cooking at home also help keep sodium down.

Will I lose my hearing with Meniere's disease?

Hearing often fluctuates early on and may gradually worsen over years in the affected ear. The degree varies widely between individuals. Treatment aims mainly to control vertigo, and hearing aids can help if hearing loss becomes permanent.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Meniere's Disease Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul