Publication:

The role of intratympanic dexamethasone in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Background Present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of intratympanic dexamethasone in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and to determine factor affecting treatment outcome for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods Prospective study was conducted on 24 patients of sudden sensorineural hearing loss between October 2019 to February 2020 in the department of ENT, OPD, SPMC, Bikaner. Group A were given oral steroids: prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day (maximal dose is 60 mg/day) full dose 14 days, then tapered over next 14 days. Group B were given intratympanic dexamethasone 4 mg/ml, 0.5 ml into middle ear space (into the posterior inferior quadrant) every 7 days for a total of 4 weeks. Audiogram was performed at end of every week for 4 weeks.

Results Overall, 58% (n=14) patients showed improvement in pure-tone average. For ≤3 days of presentation; out of total 6 patients, 83.33% cases recovered. For 4 to 7 days of presentation; out of total 10 patients, 80% cases recovered. For 8 to 14 days presentation; out of total 8 patients 12.5% cases recovered (p=0.005).

Conclusions We suggest the treatment approach in which interaural time difference is used adjuvantly with oral steroids.