Electrocochleographic changes after intranasal allergen challenge: A possible diagnostic tool in patients with Meniere's disease

Numerous observers have suggested a relationship between allergy and Menier e's disease, but objective proof has heretofore been limited. Using standar d criteria, we studied a group of 7 patients with previously diagnosed Meni ere's disease in whom significant allergy to 1 or more inhalants had also b een diagnosed. Patients underwent a baseline electrocochleographic study fo llowed by intra-nasal challenge with a carefully quantified amount of the a llergen to which they were most sensitive. This was followed by a second el ectrocochleogram. Four of the 7 patients demonstrated at least a 15% increa se in the summating potential/action potential ratio in 1 ear, associated w ith the production of subjective inner ear symptoms. We present this protoc ol as a potentially useful tool to further study whether inhalant allergy m ay be a causative factor in patients with Meniere's disease.