The Meniett^® Device

The Meniett is a medical device that applies low-pressure pulses to the external ear canal. A close-fitting ear cuff connects the device's tubing to the external ear canal, and an opening in the tympanic membrane allows transmission of the pressure pulses from the ear canal to the middle ear without exerting pressure on the stapes. Figure 6

Figure 6.  Meniett Low Pressure Pulse Generator and ear model. 1. Pressure Pulse 2. Ventilation tube 3. Round window 4. Oval window 5. Auditory tube 6. Scala tympani 7. Cochlear duct 8. Perilymphatic duct 9. Endolymphatic duct 10. Endolymphatic sac 11. Vascular tissue Click on image to view larger.

The pressure generator delivers a computer-controlled, complex pressure waveform in the form of pulses within the range of 0 to 20 cm of H20. Each treatment consists of three treatment cycles consisting of one minute of pressure pulses and 40 seconds of pause, making each treatment sequence last for approximately five minutes. The device indicates when the treatment sequence has been successfully completed. Memory within the device records compliance to the treatment regimen.

A built-in pressure sensor ensures stable pressure conditions and will detect an abnormally patent Eustachian tube or an inadequate seal of the external ear canal with the ear cuff. If a leak occurs during the treatment sequence, a light on the device is activated and treatment is terminated. The patient then adjusts the ear cuff and restarts the treatment sequence. Patient safety is assured by a safety valve that limits pressure to 35 cm of H20. Negative pressure cannot be delivered to the ear. 

The answer to, "Why and how does the Meniett device reduce the symptoms of MD?", remains unknown in large part due to the unanswered questions relating to the reasons for the cause and remission of MD and the difficulties in studying the inner ear fluids in their dynamic state. One theory for the therapeutic effects of the Meniett device could follow Gibson and Arenberg's²⁵ postulation that "silt" in the endolymph may become lodged in a narrow vestibular aqueduct space. A more recent article by Feijen, et al²⁶, refers to this idea and suggests that the Meniett device may contribute to clearing of the silt through the pressure pulses acting on the inner ear fluid system via the round and oval window membranes. Future studies may shed further light on these theories and the positive impact of pressure treatments on symptoms related to excessive inner ear fluids. 

A number of clinical studies have been conducted to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the local over-pressure treatment technology of MD.

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