Singer Jessie J Reveals Rare Ménière’s Disease Diagnosis

What happened: Singer Jessie J revealed in an Instagram post on Dec. 25 that she has been diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, a rare condition that affects the inner ear. In her Instagram stories, as reported by ET Canada, Jessie J said she “woke up and felt like [she] was completely deaf in [her] right ear, couldn’t walk in a straight line.” Jessie J also shared that she feels better due to the quickness of her diagnosis and treatment.

 

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The Frontlines: Ménière’s disease is a rare inner ear disorder that can cause severe dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss and the feeling of congestion in the ear, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. It’s caused by a buildup of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear, though it’s unclear what causes this to happen.

• Ménière’s disease affects around 12 in 1,000 people around the world, according to Hearing Health Foundation. The average age of onset is between 20 and 50 years old.
• Treatment for Ménière’s disease varies depending on which symptoms a person experiences. The National Organization for Rare Disorders says this could include bed rest, medication to manage vertigo, or surgery.
• Some other famous people who were diagnosed with Ménière’s disease include performer  Kristen Chenoweth and UFC President Dana White.

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A Mighty Voice: Developing a chronic condition can take a toll on a person’s mental health too. Contributor Candice-Renee Palacio Carrillo wrote about how she plans to manage her depression following a Ménière’s disease diagnosis.

“Between vertigo spells, brain fog and tinnitus, life can be challenging to say the least! Set a few small goals first to start, then ease your way to bigger goals. … I love to write so I will continue blogging and write as regularly as I can throughout the year. In the future I’d like to write a book (bigger goal for later).” You can submit your first-person story, too.

From our Community:

I have Meniere’s Disease. I was wondering if anyone that lives with this disease would like to share triggers that set off their tinnitus?

Other Things to Know: Finding your balance again after experiencing Ménière’s disease or another form of hearing issues can be difficult. You can read these first-person stories below to understand some of the challenges people with Ménière’s disease face:

• Finding Balance in My Life With Ménière’s Disease
• The Part of Ménière’s Disease That’s Hard to Talk About
• 5 Holiday Wishes From Someone With an ‘Unseen’ Illness

How to Take Action: If you want to follow Jessie J’s journey with Ménière’s disease, you can follow her on Instagram.