Intratympanic dexamethasone for managing pregnant women with sudden hearing loss

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect and safety of intratympanic dexamethasone in pregnant women with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). METHODS: We performed a prospective study on pregnant women who suffered from ISSNHL and were treated in our clinic during 2016. The patients received intratympanic treatment three to four times a week. A pure tone audiogram (PTA) was performed before treatment and patients were followed up until 2 months after treatment was finished. RESULTS: A total of six pregnant women were included. All of the patients tolerated intratympanic treatment well. The mean improvement in hearing was 48 ± 7.33 dB. There were no complications, including permanent perforation of the ear drum or middle ear infection. Each patient delivered a healthy newborn. CONCLUSION: Intratympanic dexamethasone is effective and safe for treating pregnant women with ISSNHL. Further randomized, controlled studies on this treatment need to be performed.