Menieres - anyone had Endolymphatic Shunt or Intratympanic Gentamicin?

[cityangel]

A very specific question I know.

DH aged 35 is suffering with significant hearing loss that is getting worse in his left ear. His ENT specialist is suggesting that one of these options may be needed.

Has anyone been through either surgery or have any tips with Menieres?

He has had a cluster of vertigo attacks, tinnitus and despite trying to manage it with diet its not getting any better

Thanks in advance

Hearing loss can be linked to prolonged significant Zn deficiency and it might improve if you supplement Zn (but not other minerals that compete for Zn in the gut should be taken at the same time, esp not iron). Hearing loss can also be linked with various meds that can be toxic, inc antibiotics.

My ds hearing appears to improve by one notch since we started supplementing Zn. When tested (hair), he was Zn deficient but had too much copper, which is linked to toxicity that can affect hearing. Zn deficiency is also linked to low immune system and Zn can improve that.
Have you checked gentamicin side effects? They include the symptoms that you trying to avoid.

I have Meniere's as well, and fortuntley my hearing is surviving okay, but the vertigo is vicious. Before I knew I was pg with DS I was offered Gentamicin and was about to take it up. But I understand it only has a 50% chance of making any difference at all, and that difference may be to damage hearing. But I understand the misery of it and desire to do anything that might help.

Have you tried the Meniere's society? They are good for setting out all the pros and cons of treatment. Assuming he's been down the medications route (Betahistine and a duretic work well for me), before considering surgery.

If he has any concerns about his ENT doctor (as this is a unusual condition) the Society can also recommmend Meniere's specialists.

You have my sympathy, is a horrible condition!

Thank you all. I think we are heading down the shunt route. I will check out the society for help as well.