Effect of Intratympanic Dexamethasone in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract

Introduction:Oral steroids currently represent the standard treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of intratympanic dexamethasone injection for treating ‘Idiopathic sudden sensori-neural hearing loss’ (ISSNHL) not improved with conventional oral steroid.Materials and Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 30 patients refractory to oral steroid therapy between June 2017 to May 2018. ‘Intratympanic dexamethasone injection’ (ITDI) was given every week for 3 consecutive weeks. Hearing was assessed by performing pure tone audiogram before every ITDI and also 1 week after the completion of treatment.Results:Hearing improvement was found in 19 out of the 30 cases (63.3%).Conclusions:Intratympanic dexamethasone significantly improves the prognosis of ISSNHL and is a safe, inexpensive and effective treatment.