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The Meniett device is a small device that delivers air pressure pulses to the inner ear via the middle ear. A small tube is surgically placed through the tympanic membrane (ear drum) into the middle ear and intermittent positive pressure micro pulses delivered by the Meniett device through the tube reach the inner ear. The Meniett device generates alternating high and low pressure pulses at a rate of 6 cycles per second. It is thought that the alternating pressure may activate a valve in the ear that pumps excess endolymph from the inner ear to the surrounding tissue thus reducing the volume of the endolymph. The patient is instructed how to use of the device and the schedule is typically daily three times a day for 3-5 minutes.

Various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the Meniett device to be statistically significant (up to 90%) in reducing the severity of vertigo, achieving fewer days with vertigo, and fewer work days lost due to vertigo compared to placebo. A 2-year follow up study completed in 2006 reported significant improvement or complete remission of vertigo symptoms for approximately 75% of the participants while up to 25% experienced no change.

In-depth information about this study is available by clicking on the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=PubMed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=17178941&ordinalpos=16&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.PubmedResultsPanel.PubmedRVDocSum

The Meniett device was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 for sale as a Class II Medical Device. The device is considered to be a safe and effective treatment option for people with Meniere's whose vertigo is uncontrolled by medical therapy and who have serviceable hearing. The Meniett device is easy to use, portable, and has no known side effects. In rare cases it may reduce aural fullness and help with hearing loss and tinnitus. Not all health insurance policies cover the costs of treatment with the Meniett pump so patients should check with their health insurance carrier before agreeing to undergo this treatment.

For an in-depth discussion of the Meniett device, please click on the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=PubMed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=16293064&ordinalpos=38&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.PubmedResultsPanel.PubmedRVDocSum