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on image to view larger |
Cross
section of the ear with
the ear canal (1)
the middle ear (2)
and the inner ear (3) |
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The
inner ear consists of the cochlea (hearing canal),
endolymphatic sac, semicircular canals (balance canals), and
the hearing and balance nerves.
This image shows endolymphatic fluid circulating in the
cochlea (1) and semicircular canals (2), as well as the
endolymphatic sac (3), where the endolymph is accumulated. |
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| In
Ménière's Disease, excess endolymphatic fluid accumulates
in the hearing and balance canals, causing pressure to build
and the canals to swell. The swollen canals cannot function
properly, which leads to problems with the hearing and
balance systems of the ear. |
Treatment
begins
after the Meniett device performs a leakage test to
verify that the earpiece is properly sealed in the external
ear canal (1). Once the leakage test is completed
successfully, the device will begin sending pressure pulses
that are transmitted to the middle ear through the
ventilation tube. |
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Pressure
pulses
help reduce excess endolymphatic fluid and restore the
balance of the inner ear's hydrodynamic system.
The next
picture shows the possible reason for it...
|
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The
ventilation tube (1)
allows the pressure pulses to reach the middle ear,
where they influence the fluid system of the inner ear
through two membranes, the oval window (2) and the round
window (3). |
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| Although
the actual mechanisms are still not fully understood, one
theory is that the action of the pressure pulses on the
fluid system, combined with other physiologic reactions in
the ear, forces the excess endolymphatic fluid back into the
endolymphatic sac. |
Once
the treatment is completed
the volume of endolymphatic fluid in the inner ear has
been reduced. However, the body constantly produces
endolymphatic fluid, thus requiring the patient to perform
the Meniett treatment on a daily basis to control the
symptoms of Ménière's Disease. |
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