Efficacy of intratympanic steroid therapy for severe and profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

BackgroundIntratympanic steroids (ITS) in treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) have become more widespread. AimThis study investigates whether ITS treatment provides additional benefits when combined with systemic steroids (SS) in patients with severe and profound SSNHL. Materials and methodsPatients diagnosed with severe and profound SSNHL were divided into two groups: SS group and SS combined with ITS group. Pure-tone audiometry was performed before and three months after treatment completion. The pure-tone average (PTA), frequency-specific hearing gains, and average values were compared between the groups. ResultsThe study included 57 patients (27 SS, 30 ITS), with a mean age of 50.09 ± 15.56. Before treatment: SS PTA 84.40 ± 15 dB HL, ITS 87.50 ± 9.38 dB HL (p = 0.36). After treatment: SS 62.2 ± 23.13 dB HL, ITS 65.17 ± 12.19 dB HL (p = 0.55). Average hearing gain: SS 22.19 ± 13.81 dB HL, ITS 22.33 ± 12.24 dB HL (p = 0.96). Frequency-specific gains were similar (p > 0.05). SS group: 12 slight improvement, 10 no improvement, 3 partial, 2 complete recovery. ITS group: 23 slight improvement, 6 no improvement, 1 partial. ConclusionIn our study, combining ITS with SS treatment did not provide additional benefits in treating severe and profound SSNHL.