Character on TV who has Meniere’s disease

Six years ago when I had my first bout of a Meniere’s disease attack I hadn’t ever heard of the disorder. I thought that I knew what vertigo was (sort of) and that it involved being dizzy. But as far as Meniere’s was concerned I didn’t have a clue. Why is that? Because it is rarely mentioned on TV or in the press. It might also be because there is controversy as to what causes it and there is no known cure. In fact one doctor told me that Meniere’s disease is often the last resort for puzzling cases of dizziness or balance problem. So it remains a mystery and one that is rarely talked about. One encouraging sign that may help spread the word is a new TV show in the works called “Switched at birth”


The story deals with two teenage girls who were switched at birth, one going to a struggling family and the other to a wealthy family. The struggling family consists of a mother and her hard of hearing daughter, played by Katie LeClerc who in real life has Meniere’s disease and is fluent in American Sign Language. She was chosen for the role because the character she plays also has hearing and balance problems. There will also be two other actors cast who have hearing problems.

Right now the pilot is being developed by ABC Family and I certainly hope that it gets picked up as a series. It would help make folks aware of hearing problems and Meniere’s disease.

Feel free to comment and please subscribe to my RSS Feed

Thanks