Meniere’s disease is characterized by all except –
**Core Concept**
Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by a triad of symptoms: vertigo, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss. The condition is caused by an abnormality in the endolymphatic system of the inner ear, leading to fluid accumulation and damage to the sensory hair cells.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Meniere's disease is primarily associated with sensorineural deafness, which is a result of damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. This type of deafness is usually irreversible and can be a significant symptom of the disease. Vertigo and tinnitus are also common symptoms of Meniere's disease, often occurring in conjunction with sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive deafness, on the other hand, is a different type of hearing loss that occurs when there is a problem with the middle ear, such as a blockage of the ear canal or a problem with the eardrum.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** Sensorineural deafness is a hallmark of Meniere's disease, so this option is incorrect because it is actually a characteristic of the disease.
**Option C:** Vertigo is a common symptom of Meniere's disease, often occurring in episodes or attacks.
**Option D:** Tinnitus is also a common symptom of Meniere's disease, often described as a ringing or buzzing sound.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to distinguish between sensorineural and conductive deafness, as they have different underlying causes and treatment options. Sensorineural deafness is usually irreversible, while conductive deafness may be treatable with hearing aids or surgery.
**β Correct Answer: A. Conductive deafness. Conductive deafness is not a characteristic of Meniere's disease.**