Intra-Tympanic Steroid Treatment Alone as an Initial Treatment for the Patients with Severe or Profound Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Medical Problems in Steroid Use

Abstract

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a frightening disease that often prompts an urgent or emergent visit to a physician. SSNHL is defined as sensorineural hearing loss of 30 dB or more over at least three contiguous audiometric frequencies and an onset of less than 3 days. Its incidence has been estimated at 8 to 15 per 100000 persons per year. The etiology of idiopathic SSNHL remains obscure. Different theories attempt to explain this problem including disturbance of cochlear blood flow, viral infections, autoimmune disease and Reissner’s membrane rupture. The recovery rates of SSNHL are still low in spite of laborious efforts of many physicians. A maximum of 32% to 65% Intra-Tympanic Steroid Treatment Alone as an Initial Treatment for the Patients with Severe or Profound Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Medical Problems in Steroid Use