Positive Pressure Pulses with Meniere´s Disease

The exact mechanism by which positive pressure pulses to the inner ear are effective in reducing the symptoms of Ménière’s disease is unknown.
However, there is evidence from the literature regarding pressure sensitivity of the inner ear, and the beneficial effect of applying positive pressure as well as the adverse effect of applying negative pressure to the inner ear.

In a clinical placebo controlled study it was shown, using electrophysiological parameters, that positive pressure pulses of low amplitude improve inner ear physiology
(Densert et al.: Immediate effects of middle ear pressure changes on the electrocochleographic recordings in patients with Ménière’s disease: a clinical placebo controlled study, Am J Otol 18: 726-733, 1997).

Similarly the pressure sensitivity of the inner ear was shown in a study, also using electrophysiological parameters, and demonstrating that negative middle ear pressure had an adverse effect on inner ear function
(Franz et al.: Stress electrocochleography, International Tinnitus J 5: 113-120, 1999).

In a placebo controlled study positive pressure changes in the middle ear of Ménière’s disease patients could show a significant improvement of the frequency and intensity of vertigo, aural pressure and tinnitus
(Ödkvist et al.: Effect of middle ear pressure changes on clinical symptoms in patients with Ménière’s disease – a clinical multicentre placebo controlled study, Acta Otolaryngol Suppl 543: 99-101, 2000).

These experiences were confirmed with two clinical studies that showed the effect of the Meniett device
(Densert et al.: Control of symptoms in patients with Ménière’s disease using middle ear pressure applications: two year follow up, Acta Otolaryngol 121: 616-621, 2001; Gates et al.: Intermittend pressure therapy of intractable Ménière’s disease using the Meniett device: a preliminary report, The Laryngoscope 112: 1489-1493, 2002).