Clinical Analysis of Intratympanic Injection of Dexamethasone for Treating Sudden Deafness

INTRODUCTION: A variety of causes may induce sudden deafness. However, it remains challenging to determine the exact cause in a clinic. There is no standard treatment for this disease due to its unclear etiology. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of the intratympanic injection of dexamethasone for treating sudden deafness. METHODS: A total of 154 patients with sudden deafness were retrospectively analyzed. The evaluation of sudden deafness was based on the AAO-HNS efficacy evaluative criteria. All patients were initially treated within seven days by an intravenous drip of methylprednisolone, vasodilator, and neurotrophic agents. These patients were divided into two groups: the treatment group (91 patients) and the control group (63 patients). Patients in the treatment group were given an intratympanic injection of dexamethasone, while patients in the control group were given conventional vasodilators and neurotrophic treatment. RESULTS: The effective rate in the treatment group was 47.25% (43/91 patients), and this was significantly higher than in the control group (14.29%, 9/63 patients). The adverse reactions in the treatment group included transient pain (7.69%, 7/91), but there was no vertigo in either group. There was one case of tympanic membrane perforation. CONCLUSION: The intratympanic injection of dexamethasone is a better choice for refractory sudden deafness due to its high efficacy and fewer adverse reactions.