Which frequency range is often worse in Meniere's disease?

In Meniere's disease, a condition that affects the inner ear and can lead to hearing loss, the low frequency range is often most impacted. Patients typically experience fluctuating hearing loss, but the low frequencies are more prominently affected due to the nature of the condition. This can create a characteristic "fullness" sensation in the ear and is often associated with episodes of vertigo and tinnitus.

The pathophysiology of Meniere's disease involves increased fluid pressure in the inner ear, which tends to disrupt the balance and auditory functions more significantly at lower frequencies. This results in a unique audiometric profile where patients show a pronounced dip in their hearing threshold at these lower frequencies, which is not typically seen at higher frequencies.

Understanding the frequency involvement in Meniere's disease is crucial for appropriate fitting and management of hearing aids, as the amplification needs may differ based on the frequency ranges affected. Thus, recognizing that low frequencies are often worse in Meniere's disease helps in better diagnosing and treating patients suffering from this condition.