[Intratympanic dexamethasone medication for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: clinical evaluation].

Objective: To investigate clinical efficacy of intratympanic dexamethasone injection for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Method: Subjects received an course of at least 7-day dexamethasone [5 g/(L x d)] intratympanic injection. Pure-tone averages (PTA) calculated using air conduction thresholds at 4 -frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz) at pre-injection and post-injection were compared. The change in PTA greater than 10 dB HL was considered to be effective.

Result: PTA at pre-injection and post-injection were (65.65 +/- 24.73) dB HL and (50.25 +/- 25.59)dB HL respectively in 21 patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. There was significant improvement in PTA (P < 0.01). Improvement in hearing was found in 47.6% patients. Promising results of intratympanic dexamethasone medication were found in cases with shorter duration or/and without vertigo. No unexpected adverse events such as otitis media or perforated tympanic membrane or worsening in hearing occurred during the injection or follow-up period.

Conclusion: Intratympanic dexamethasone medication can be beneficial in treating patient with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Duration and vertigo are two important factors for prognosis.