Current Epidemiology of Meniere's Syndrome

The burden of Ménière syndrome (MS) is substantial, especially when considering the significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. Reported estimates of incidence and prevalence have varied widely due to methodological differences between studies, changes in criteria for diagnosis of MS, and differences in populations studied. Reported prevalence rates for MS range from 3.5 per 100,000 to 513 per 100,000. A recent study using health claims data for more than 60 million patients in the United States found prevalence of 190 per 100,000 with a female:male ratio of 1.89:1. The prevalence of MS increases with increasing age.