Toleranz und Akzeptanz der intratympanalen Injektion

BACKGROUND: Intratympanic steroids are a therapeutic component in sudden hearing loss related to cochlear affection. Little has been published on patients’ acceptance and tolerance to date. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 84 patients were asked about health conditions and circumstances surrounding their intratympanic therapy. RESULTS: The patients comprised 38 women and 46 men, aged 57.2 years on average, who had mostly been referred by their ENT physician for second-line treatment. Reported were injection pain by 3.6%, discomfort by 22.6%, tolerability by 67.9%, and painlessness by 41.7% (more than one answer possible). Whereas 77.4% recommended intratympanic treatment, reasons for no recommendation were lack of efficacy and an unpleasant sensation. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients rated intratympanic therapy as bearable and recommendable. Close patient guidance seems to be an important part of the treatment.