Evaluation of Meniere’s disease, allergy, and their association in a group of patients with vertigo using electrocochleography and skin prick test

Abstract Background Meniere’s disease is an idiopathic disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodic vertigo, tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss, and aural fullness. Allergic disorders have been implicated among the heterogeneous causative factors of Meniere’s disease. Here, we aimed to evaluate the different types of allergy in Meniere disease and analyze the association of several characteristics between allergic and non-allergic groups. Methods The 53 of the 385 patients with definite Meniere’s disease based on definite Meniere’s disease criteria which confirmed by Electrocochleography(ECOG) test was included in this study. A questionnaire was used to obtain the required data. ECOG and skin prick test were performed in all the participants. Those fulfilling the clinical criteria alongside having a summating potential/action potential ratio of ≥ 0.5 in electrocochleogram were considered as having Meniere’s disease. Results Twenty-five of 53 Meniere patients (47.2%) showed different types of allergy. Inhalant allergy 25 (47.2%) and food allergy 8 (15.1%) were the most prevalent allergy types among Meniere patients. Among the underlying diseases, the prevalence of tinnitus was reported in 92% of the allergic patients. Moreover, the family history of Meniere disease and tinnitus were significantly associated with allergy. The pattern of threshold elevation showed that the flat pattern in allergic group and the low pattern in non-allergic group were significantly more prevalent. Conclusion In this study, about half of Meniere patients showed different types of allergy by predominance of inhalant allergy. Tinnitus and Meniere’s family history are significantly more common in Meniere’s patients with allergy. So, allergy control in Meniere patients would be helpful on the treatment process.