Intratympanic Dexamethasone Treatment in Profound Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Prospective Evaluation in the ENT Setting

Abstract

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intratympanic dexamethasone in treating profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) and to assess hearing recovery outcomes. 50 consecutive patients with profound ISSNHL were included, receiving four doses of intratympanic dexamethasone over a two-week period. Hearing recovery was defined as achieving a pure-tone average (PTA) within 10 dB of baseline, with PTAs showing over 50% improvement considered as partial recovery. Contralateral ear hearing served as the baseline. On average, patients received treatment 28 days after onset. 4 patients exhibited significant hearing recovery, with an additional patient achieving partial recovery. Notably, 4 patients experienced substantial hearing improvement within nine days of clinic visit post-hearing loss onset. The study suggests that intratympanic dexamethasone, following the provided protocol and hearing recovery definition, does not significantly enhance hearing in patients with confirmed ISSNHL. However, improved outcomes may be possible if treatment is initiated within 11 days of hearing loss onset.