title: [Intratympanic steroid administration: use in the treatment of profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss is still controversial. Although there are no evidenced-based studies, therapy with systemic steroids is widely accepted as the gold standard. Intratympanic administration of steroids appears to be an alternative or additional method of management without the disadvantage of systemic side effects and, therefore, makes therapy accessible for patients with contraindication for systemic steroids.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective analysis compares the audiometric results of 25 patients who were treated with standard therapy (prednisolone, hydroxyethyl starch, pentoxyfylline) with 23 patients who additionally received intratympanic steroids (IT group). A total of 4 injections were administered within 10 days. The solution used consisted of 0.3 ml dexamethasone (8 mg/ml) and 0.2 ml hyaluronic acid 0.2%. The pure-tone average (PTA) was evaluated prior to and 3 months after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PTA 3 months after treatment showed an improvement of 48 dB in the IT group and 38 dB in the standard treatment group. The IT group achieved better recovery with an average PTA improvement of 68% compared to the standard treatment group with an average improvement of 59%. Neither result reached significance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combination therapy with intratympanic steroids showed a tendency for better hearing results without serious side effects. However, because current evidence is not adequate, randomized placebo-controlled multicenter studies are needed.
authors: Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kantonsspital Luzern, Schweiz. christof.burkart@ksl.ch
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Burkart
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Linder
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Gärtner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids; D003907:Dexamethasone