Sensorineural hearing loss resulting from Ménière's disease causes:

Sensorineural hearing loss resulting from Ménière's disease causes:

• A. A sudden hearing loss without warning
• B. Fluctuating levels of hearing loss
• C. Complete hearing loss at all frequencies
• D. Bilateral progressive hearing loss

Answer: (B)

Fluctuating levels of hearing loss are characteristic of Ménière's disease due to the underlying pathology of the disorder, which involves episodic changes in the inner ear's fluid balance. This condition leads to episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss that can vary in severity. The hearing loss experienced in Ménière's disease is often not constant; instead, patients may experience periods of normal hearing interspersed with episodes of reduced hearing ability. This fluctuation can occur over weeks, months, or years, making it a significant feature of this type of sensorineural hearing loss. In contrast, sudden hearing loss without warning is not typical of Ménière's disease, as the nature of hearing changes is usually gradual and episodic. Complete hearing loss at all frequencies tends to indicate a more severe or advanced condition, which is not representative of Ménière's in its typical form. Lastly, while some individuals may experience bilateral progressive hearing loss, this is not a defining characteristic of Ménière's disease, which more commonly affects one ear at a time, particularly in the early stages. Thus, the fluctuating nature of the hearing loss is central to understanding how Ménière's disease impacts auditory function.

Fluctuating levels of hearing loss are characteristic of Ménière's disease due to the underlying pathology of the disorder, which involves episodic changes in the inner ear's fluid balance. This condition leads to episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss that can vary in severity. The hearing loss experienced in Ménière's disease is often not constant; instead, patients may experience periods of normal hearing interspersed with episodes of reduced hearing ability. This fluctuation can occur over weeks, months, or years, making it a significant feature of this type of sensorineural hearing loss.

In contrast, sudden hearing loss without warning is not typical of Ménière's disease, as the nature of hearing changes is usually gradual and episodic. Complete hearing loss at all frequencies tends to indicate a more severe or advanced condition, which is not representative of Ménière's in its typical form. Lastly, while some individuals may experience bilateral progressive hearing loss, this is not a defining characteristic of Ménière's disease, which more commonly affects one ear at a time, particularly in the early stages. Thus, the fluctuating nature of the hearing loss is central to understanding how Ménière's disease impacts auditory function.