Abstract

Until recently, surgery was the only treatment option for people with disabling Menieretextquoterights disease that did not respond to adequate medical therapy. A new intermediate level treatment modality, the Meniett device, which applies low-pressure micropulses to the inner ear, has now been shown to be safe and effective. The device is portable and self-administered, requiring a 5-min three-times daily application for an indefinite period. Placement of a tympanostomy tube in the ear drum of the affected ear is necessary. Patient acceptance has been high. Long-term success in control of vertigo is over 80%. Although hearing loss is not improved, Meniett device usage does not adversely affect balance, as do most forms of surgical therapy. Use of the device does not preclude later surgical therapy.