Famous People Who Have or Had Meniere's Disease
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2017/11/10 - Updated: 2025/05/22
Publication Type: Awareness, Appreciation
Category Topic: Famous Disabled People - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information provides an extensive and authoritative overview of Meniere's disease, highlighting its symptoms - such as vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear pressure - and explaining that while there is no cure, symptoms can often be managed through dietary changes and medication. The article is particularly useful for people with disabilities, seniors, or anyone affected by Meniere's disease, as it offers a comprehensive list of notable individuals who have lived with the condition, demonstrating that it affects people from all walks of life. Examples include astronaut Alan Shepard, singer Huey Lewis, writer Emily Dickinson, and inventor Les Paul, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of those impacted. The inclusion of these names not only raises awareness but also provides a sense of community and understanding for readers who may be seeking relatable experiences or reassurance about their own diagnosis. The article's credibility is reinforced by its detailed content, the expertise of its author, and its focus on accuracy and inclusivity, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in health, disability awareness, or the achievements of people with chronic conditions - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
What is Meniere's Disease?
Meniere's disease is an abnormality of the inner ear causing a host of symptoms, including vertigo or severe dizziness, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus or a roaring sound in the ears and the sensation of pressure or pain in the affected ear.
Main Content
Meniere's disease usually affects only one ear and is a common cause of hearing loss. Named after French physician Prosper Meniere who first described the syndrome in 1861. The symptoms of Meniere's are variable and not all people experience the same symptoms. So called "classic Meniere's" is considered to comprise the following four symptoms:
- Sensation of fullness or pressure in one or both ears.
- Periodic episodes of rotary vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement) or dizziness.
- Unilateral or bilateral tinnitus (perception of noises, often ringing, roaring, or whooshing), sometimes variable.
- Fluctuating, progressive, unilateral (one ear) or bilateral (both ears) hearing loss, often initially in lower frequency range.
There is currently no cure for Meniere's disease. However, the symptoms of the disease are often controlled successfully by reducing the body's retention of fluids through dietary changes such as a low-salt or salt-free diet and no caffeine or alcohol, and medication. Scientists are investigating environmental and biological factors that may cause Meniere's disease or induce an attack.
Famous People with Meniere's Disease
- Aaron Reiser
- Adrienne Monnier
- Alan Shepard
- Alexander Ostuzhev
- Andrew Knight
- Brent Crosswell
- Brian Evans
- Carme Chaparro
- Chalkie White
- Chris Packham
- Chris Potter
- Constance Bumgarner Gee
- Dan Carlson
- Dana Davis
- Dana White
- Daniel Franco
- Daniel Pancy
- David Alstead
- David Copithorne
- Doc Hammer
- Edeltraut L. Scheffler Plath
- Edith G. Stedman
- Elizabeth Anne Steward
- Emily Dickinson
- George Stapledon
- Gillian Mackay
- Helen Levitt
- Henry S. Graves
- Huey Lewis (Hugh Anthony Cregg III)
- Jan Matzal Troska
- Jane Nichols
- Jessica Williams
- Jessie J
- Jim Webb
- Jimmy Raney
- John Bruce Wallace
- Jonathan Swift
- Judy Carrow
- Katie LeClerc
- Keiko Masuda
- Kiviaq
- Kristen Chenoweth
- Kuriyama Hideki
- Kyle Walpole
- Les Paul
- Lisa McDonald
- Mamie Eisenhower
- Mandy Stefanczak
- Martin Fröst
- Martin Luther
- Mattias Ritola
- Meg MacDonald
- Mick Abrahams
- Mike Reilly
- Misono
- Nancy Freudenthal
- Nicole Croisille
- Paddy McAloon
- Patrick Flores
- Patty Spitler
- Peggy Goldwater
- Peggy Lee
- Randy Thurman
- Rommel N. Angara
- Ryan Adams
- Sammi Cheng
- Shane Kenny
- Shawnae Jebbia
- Stan Gallimore
- Steve Francis
- Steve Ritchie
- Steven Barrie-Anthony
- Teresa Deevy
- Tim Conley
- Tsubasa Imai
- Victor Hugo Tinoco
- Vincent Van Gogh
NOTE: If you notice any inaccuracies in this list, please reach out to us so we can correct it. Additionally, if you believe someone should be added to this list, please provide us with their name and any information to verify their disability. We value your help, and you can contact us here.
You can also view our other lists of famous and well-known people with various disabilities and conditions, including actors, politicians, and writers who contributed to society.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The acknowledgment of Meniere's disease by prominent individuals brings much-needed attention to a condition that often goes unrecognized. Their openness not only fosters a greater understanding of the challenges faced by those with the disease but also encourages a more inclusive and empathetic society. By sharing their experiences, these public figures contribute to a broader conversation about health, resilience, and the importance of support systems for those living with chronic conditions. While lists of famous individuals with specific medical conditions may seem merely anecdotal, they serve a deeper purpose: they remind us that chronic illnesses like Meniere's disease do not discriminate, and that perseverance and achievement are possible despite significant health challenges. By highlighting accomplished figures from various fields, this article not only educates but also challenges stereotypes about disability, fostering a more inclusive perspective on what people with chronic conditions can accomplish - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.