Mënière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear. It is characterised by an endolymphatic hydrops of unknown cause. Symptoms consist of disturbed balance, vertigo, impaired hearing and tinnitus. It has been shown that people suffering from Mënière's disease can achieve relief from symptoms of dizziness and nausea through the application of elevated pressure to the outer and middle ear.
It is theorised that an air pulse, which applies the pressure to the round window of the inner ear may assist in reversing the flow of toxic potassium ions from the scala tympani to the scala vestibuli. The present invention provides a low cost device designed to allow users to apply elevated pressure levels to their own ears in order to achieve such relief.
The inventor has also recognised that causing a negative change of pressure in the ear canal may be useful in relieving pain arising from other causes, such as unequal pressure between the middle ear and outer ear that occurs during descent of an aircraft. The present invention also provides a device which may achieve such relief.