1. Protect Your Ears From Excessive Volume
Hearing damage has been linked to the onset of Meniere's disease in certain cases. While mild hearing loss carries little risk for the development of this condition, you should take steps to prevent hearing loss whenever you are in an environment with sound louder than 80 decibels. Mild hearing loss can cause tinnitus, a common symptom of Meniere's disease, and severe hearing damage can cause vertigo symptoms if the inner ear is damaged by sound waves.
2. Wear Helmets When Appropriate
Severe head trauma can damage the ears and cause Meniere's disease. Helmets should be worn as a preventive measure when playing full-contact sports like baseball, football or lacrosse. Wearing your seatbelt while in the car and head protection while driving a motorcycle or ATV minimizes damage to your ears and head in the event of an accident.
3. Practice Relaxing Activities to Lower Stress
While Meniere's disease isn't caused by stress, the frequency of vertigo attacks can increase if you are under lots of pressure. Relaxing activities that involve mild exercise, such as yoga, can prove beneficial for current Meniere's patients and those individuals who are at high risk for developing it. In all cases, Meniere's patients should avoid or severely limit their use of tobacco as a method for coping with stress.
4. Use Dietary Methods to Limit Meniere's Episodes
The daily recommended value of sodium is less than 2,300 mg per day, but Meniere's patients should aim for much lower. Work with your doctor to be sure that limiting your sodium intake to around 1,000 mg each day won't interfere with any other medical conditions you have. Food allergies can also contribute to the frequency and intensity of vertigo attacks, so you should keep a record of foods that upset your body or cause your symptoms to worsen. Meniere's patients should avoid caffeine and alcohol, although specially prescribed diuretic medication can help control vertigo bouts.
