Noninvasive Intratympanic Dexamethasone Treatment for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Conclusion: Noninvasive intratympanic dexamethasone perfusion (IDP) through the eustachian tube is an effective and safe therapy in cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of noninvasive IDP through the eustachian tube in patients with SSNHL.

Methods: In this prospective study, 74 consecutive patients with SSNHL treated between September 2007 and March 2011 were enrolled: 35 patients fitted the criteria for initial treatment in the study (group I), while 39 patients, who had failed systemic therapy, received salvage treatment (group S). IDP through the eustachian tube was applied four times at 2-day intervals. Pure-tone test and tympanometry were performed before starting treatment, and 24 h and 1 week afterwards.

Results: All patients tolerated the procedure well. No perforation or infection was noticed in any of the patients at their last visit. With regard to the 74 patients who received intratympanic treatment, 80.0% (28 of 35) of the patients in group I and 64.1% (25 of 39) patients in group S had improvement in their hearing ability. Patients with simultaneous symptoms reported that the symptoms were relieved as follows: tinnitus, 73.3% (44/60); vertigo, 76.2% (16/21); and stuffy ear, 81.1% (30/37).