The role of allergy in fluctuating hearing loss.

A method for the selection of patients with fluctuating hearing loss and Meniere's disease for allergic evaluation is presented. An approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these problems is reviewed. Seventy-two patients with Meniere's disease who met the criteria of the American Academy Subcommittee on Equilibrium and Its Measurements were evaluated. Thirty-two per cent of the 62 patients receiving allergy therapy or allergy and metabolic therapy responded to treatment. Half required a combination of metabolic and allergy management, whereas the other half responded to allergy therapy alone.