Final answer:
Ménière's disease is a condition affecting the inner ear, causing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, which is often sensorineural in nature. Treatment for the hearing loss associated with Ménière's might involve cochlear implants if hearing aids are ineffective.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ménière's disease is a chronic condition of the inner ear that leads to a variety of symptoms, including vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. This disease is thought to be caused by an over-production or accumulation of fluid in the inner ear's vestibule or cochlea. It affects both the balance (equilibrium) and hearing (audition) systems and is characterized by a degeneration of inner ear structures, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss.
While hearing aids may not be effective for sensorineural hearing loss caused by Ménière's disease, cochlear implants may be a viable treatment option for some patients. These implants bypass damaged structures in the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing for the transmission of sound information to the brain.