Epidemiology

The true incidence and prevalence of Meniere disease (MD) is not known. In a study from Rochester, Minnesota, the incidence was calculated as 15.30 per 100,000 people, with a prevalence of 218 per 100,000 population.[5] Data from South Korea report the incidence of MD in 2017 between 78.03 and 158.80 people per 100,000, in men and women respectively.[6]​​

MD is primarily a disease of adulthood, although several cases have been reported in children. Onset usually occurs in the fourth decade.[3] MD seems to have a higher prevalence in white people, and around 50% of patients have a family history of MD.[7][8]​ MD is slightly more common in females, with a 2.17:1 female-to-male ratio.[6]​​

Incidence of bilateral disease varies in the literature between 2% and 73%.[9][10]​ Other studies report that bilateral disease may occur in up to 50% of patients with MD during their lifetime.[3][7][11]​ More than 10% of people with apparent unilateral disease may be found to have bilateral disease on testing.[12]

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