Coexisting otosclerosis and meniere's disease: A diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma

The coexistence of otosclerosis and Meniere's disease is well documented; however, otosclerosis may not be recognized in patients presenting mainly with Meniere's symptoms and, therefore, treatment may not be effective. In this paper, eight patients with otosclerosis and Meniere's disease are presented. The diagnosis of coexisting otosclerosis and Meniere's was initially missed in most of these patients. Medical and surgical treatment had been unsuccessful. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for management of these patients are discussed. Our preliminary conclusions are: 1. otosclerosis should be diagnosed in patients with Meniere's disease, especially when bilateral or when suggested by clinical and/or laboratory findings, and 2. the addition of sodium fluoride to diet-diuretic management of such patients appears effective.